Christmas 2009
This was probably one of the best Christmas days I've ever had. I got to sleep in late, and didn't find myself getting up at the crack of dawn in getting ready to rush off to my mothers house...or finding myself wrapping presents before I had to go somewhere to deliver them...
It was just nice, NOT feeling like I HAD to be somewhere...a great non hurried state of mind....
I didn't even start cooking until one in the afternoon, and even then, I was still lounging around in my pajamas. My sons' girlfriend was here - and she didn't seem to mind that my hair looked a mess, that I never put my partial denture in my mouth.....not of that. I loved not having to put on airs that so many people do at this time of year when traveling to friends and family homes. To hell with that...This year I did Christmas on MY time.
Sure, I got to spend quality time with both my daughter AND my son at different times yesterday..but I think that since my family (as my daughter says) is not so much traditional in the way we celebrate any one holiday, I believe it gave me all the more individual-ness to our gatherings, which made me appreciate the time spent even more.
For dinner, I made a spiral ham, glazed with a sauce of apple, cinnamon, and orange spice. Mashed potatoes w/butter and corn completed it for me. I didn't overcook or under cook for the people who ate here, and I made enough so that I can take over a small supply to my mother and uncle who will get to sample my handiwork this coming Sunday when I finally get to stop by and visit for a bit.
I still have gifts for other people, but who knows when I will get the chance to stop and see them since most of my friends rarely ever stop by to see me. That usually takes a blue moon...
And for the most part, I got everything I wanted for Christmas. My patchouli candle they don't make any more(except for holidays), my rocket blower to clean out my cameras and lenses, and of course, my new Nikon D5000. THAT, makes me happy....but at the same time, it wasn't a surprise, and it STILL is not all about presents to begin with. It's all about Jesus, but no one ever wants to talk about that. It's the reason for the season, but heaven help any one who mentions that now a days. Right away people think you are cramming religion down their throats. Personally, I don't care what people think, let them....I do believe I will believe in what I believe no matter what.
What I think is most important, is the willingness of others to be respectful of other people, especially this time of year. Let by gones be by gones, and have good will towards others. The time of year to be kind, considerate. To be helpful and not hurtful. To understand one another in showing compassion and less selfishness within ourselves. To let jealousy no longer consume our very souls, and to find happiness and goodness in the things or people we most find it hard in seeing. It all wraps up in an ending with forgiveness. So many people should do this more often. I'm not saying this is an easy task for some...it's more like the attempt in trying...
For no amount spent on presents or the significance of what is expected of friends and family can make up for the loss of the above mentioned.
Peace to you and yours....
It was just nice, NOT feeling like I HAD to be somewhere...a great non hurried state of mind....
I didn't even start cooking until one in the afternoon, and even then, I was still lounging around in my pajamas. My sons' girlfriend was here - and she didn't seem to mind that my hair looked a mess, that I never put my partial denture in my mouth.....not of that. I loved not having to put on airs that so many people do at this time of year when traveling to friends and family homes. To hell with that...This year I did Christmas on MY time.
Sure, I got to spend quality time with both my daughter AND my son at different times yesterday..but I think that since my family (as my daughter says) is not so much traditional in the way we celebrate any one holiday, I believe it gave me all the more individual-ness to our gatherings, which made me appreciate the time spent even more.
For dinner, I made a spiral ham, glazed with a sauce of apple, cinnamon, and orange spice. Mashed potatoes w/butter and corn completed it for me. I didn't overcook or under cook for the people who ate here, and I made enough so that I can take over a small supply to my mother and uncle who will get to sample my handiwork this coming Sunday when I finally get to stop by and visit for a bit.
I still have gifts for other people, but who knows when I will get the chance to stop and see them since most of my friends rarely ever stop by to see me. That usually takes a blue moon...
And for the most part, I got everything I wanted for Christmas. My patchouli candle they don't make any more(except for holidays), my rocket blower to clean out my cameras and lenses, and of course, my new Nikon D5000. THAT, makes me happy....but at the same time, it wasn't a surprise, and it STILL is not all about presents to begin with. It's all about Jesus, but no one ever wants to talk about that. It's the reason for the season, but heaven help any one who mentions that now a days. Right away people think you are cramming religion down their throats. Personally, I don't care what people think, let them....I do believe I will believe in what I believe no matter what.
What I think is most important, is the willingness of others to be respectful of other people, especially this time of year. Let by gones be by gones, and have good will towards others. The time of year to be kind, considerate. To be helpful and not hurtful. To understand one another in showing compassion and less selfishness within ourselves. To let jealousy no longer consume our very souls, and to find happiness and goodness in the things or people we most find it hard in seeing. It all wraps up in an ending with forgiveness. So many people should do this more often. I'm not saying this is an easy task for some...it's more like the attempt in trying...
For no amount spent on presents or the significance of what is expected of friends and family can make up for the loss of the above mentioned.
Peace to you and yours....