Memories

Srecna Slava Sveti Nikolai!  So many holidays at this time, it really is a festive time!

It was windy, overcast but not too cold today, except when the wind gusted. I made a quick trip to the post office to return a phone and mail a couple items, and I got away with my light coat. Jerry escaped and ran down the hall when I was leaving, and he had fun staying just out of reach and running along the hall. He expressed his severe displeasure at being left behind when I went out. Don had difficulty sleeping last night, so he dozed off and on this afternoon. My nurse was here today-he'd been off since I returned in November, so it's the first time I saw him-and his first words were, "You lost weight." Not great that it was so noticeable, but we're working on showing the rate. To that end, Lynne delivered some cookies, but I haven't been able to taste any yet! The man in the house has a sweet tooth... nuff said!

Jerry objects to not being the centre of attention, and he especially seems to dislike it if we're obviously occupied. I'm writing my blog, Don is watching hockey, so Jerry is racing around trying to get us to throw his toy... He brings it to one of us, we throw it. and he takes it to the other- and the cycle continues.

I've learnt, to my disappointment. that many of my friends and relatives don't like Christmas! There are some who would start decorating in September. but they are very much the minority. It seems that most people think that Christmas is only for kids, and those under ten. I think that's sad. The thing is, though, I can understand why when I look at the ads and promotions. Santa has a whole religion associated with him. There are many temples devoted to his worship; rituals; prayers; songs; offerings and idols - all the common signs and trappings of a religion. Kids are indoctrinated early-from as young as under a year-and by the time they can talk, they know about Santa and begin their prayers for blessings (aka letters to Santa and visits in the mall to recite, “I’ve been good, I’d like…”. You're going to think that I'm overreacting and exaggerating, but if you look around you'll see what I mean. Having invested so heavily into Santa-worship, it's probably not surprising that all the joy. wonder, merriment and surprise of Christmas goes missing once the bubble is popped.

I’m not going to preach about "the reason for the season" or about how commercialism has ruined Christmas... I am, though, going to share some of my memories of Christmas past. During my early childhood, my memories are of decorating the tree with my aunt, and being allowed to hang some ornaments. I was about 6 when I was first allowed to hang the fragile glass balls that always fascinated me. There are many years of family Christmas Eve meals after Mass, before being sent to bed. There are also many years of playing Christmas records (vinyl) as we went to sleep. The year I was 12, I received my first "grownup" watch-a Timex-that I wore until I graduated university. Other than that, I only remember a few gifts, all of which had long lives. There was a shared race car set; the seats for our swing; a Walkman and a small telescope and star chart. The vast majority of my memories are of family time, visits to or from relatives and friends, Christmas Eve mass and carol service... even recalling them now gives me a warm glow.

For me, large parts of the magic faded with each loss in the family. I've tried to honour their memory with the traditions they passed on, including making fiddly treats! Speaking of, I'm going to do some prep so I can get a start tomorrow. I wish you an stress-free week until the weekend. Good night!