We do a Christmas Eve open house — a few years back, wife suggested it and I was all "I was just thinking that." It's not a big deal, but it brings together people who don't see each other enough and who we don't see enough. I find myself really looking forward to it.
To be real I don’t know? From 19 to 29 I was in the midst of getting my “film” education and not whatever SUNY(state) or CUNY(city) and then eventually NYU(private-yet way more flexible than the first two schools) was forcing me to take.
It was brutal. My moms a well meaning but never attended college Boomer, had to realize I was in the arena and this was my reality.
The holidays didn’t provide the reprieve or reset it as it seemed to do in high school. We all know why. Money.
As an adult money matters.
The day to day need for it was oxygen. The holidays threw a monkey wrench into all of that. Now whatever job I had came to a screeching halt.
It was the week after Christmas going through the entire winter session, that’s when I was alive. I had money
Of course it’s the dead of January, everyone was back to their moody non holiday grinch status.
Keep in mind I wasn’t apart of the gift giving at all during these years. I could get you a card. Deal with it. As time went on unfortunately the ten years it took to get my bachelors all but killed any holiday vibe. Whatever I was “supposed” to do come this time of year I could never partake. So I just came to appreciate the way things just slow down and people are on holiday or doing whatever.
Now with both parents gone and I don’t have kids (see ten years it took to get college degree) the holidays mean nothing to me. I let those who revel do their thing but for me it’s just a way to remind myself a new year is coming and review how I want to approach it.
I'm sorry life dealt you this hand, James. The holidays don't have to be for everyone. I'm sure they can feel oppressive when you don't feel the inclination to participate.
Family is also where I find my beauty at Christmas. We are trying to do things a little differently this year so it’s not so obvious that my dad isn’t there, but we will all be at my mum’s - 17 of us! My dad used to do a stocking for my mum every year so my sister suggested that we all contribute some small gifts towards one so there’s not a glaring gap. I’m looking forward to it. I am also aware that I am surrounded by lovely people in my friends and colleagues. Christmas feels like a good time to appreciate that fact.
It's a weird time of year where we really do experience an accounting of life's blessings, whatever they are. Why they're not as apparent the rest of the time, who knows? Maybe we need cultural permission to pause in an otherwise hectic life. Happy Christmas!
Hey Cole. I was fortunate to have my son (35 today) come visit for Thanksgiving. And my 3 adult daughters will be visiting him for New Year's. So I'm grateful that they all will be together. I can't go, on probation at a new job. As for beauty, I take solace is watching winter from inside a warm home. Peace
Watching winter out our windows is a special joy, at least when there's something to look at. Winter in Australia is just...gray and rain. I miss American Midwest winters. Hope the weather gives you something to appreciate, Juin!
Certainly not with my family, although I've got a pretty good found family these days. I moved North a couple years ago and find a lot of beauty in snow cover. Fresh snow, not after it's been driven down to a grey slurry. I've seen more snow covered landscapes in the past couple years than the previous fifty.
We do a Christmas Eve open house — a few years back, wife suggested it and I was all "I was just thinking that." It's not a big deal, but it brings together people who don't see each other enough and who we don't see enough. I find myself really looking forward to it.
(though, new dog… it could be a challenge)
I missed Chirstmas Eve open houses. I hope your new dog cooperates.
To be real I don’t know? From 19 to 29 I was in the midst of getting my “film” education and not whatever SUNY(state) or CUNY(city) and then eventually NYU(private-yet way more flexible than the first two schools) was forcing me to take.
It was brutal. My moms a well meaning but never attended college Boomer, had to realize I was in the arena and this was my reality.
The holidays didn’t provide the reprieve or reset it as it seemed to do in high school. We all know why. Money.
As an adult money matters.
The day to day need for it was oxygen. The holidays threw a monkey wrench into all of that. Now whatever job I had came to a screeching halt.
It was the week after Christmas going through the entire winter session, that’s when I was alive. I had money
Of course it’s the dead of January, everyone was back to their moody non holiday grinch status.
Keep in mind I wasn’t apart of the gift giving at all during these years. I could get you a card. Deal with it. As time went on unfortunately the ten years it took to get my bachelors all but killed any holiday vibe. Whatever I was “supposed” to do come this time of year I could never partake. So I just came to appreciate the way things just slow down and people are on holiday or doing whatever.
Now with both parents gone and I don’t have kids (see ten years it took to get college degree) the holidays mean nothing to me. I let those who revel do their thing but for me it’s just a way to remind myself a new year is coming and review how I want to approach it.
I'm sorry life dealt you this hand, James. The holidays don't have to be for everyone. I'm sure they can feel oppressive when you don't feel the inclination to participate.
Family is also where I find my beauty at Christmas. We are trying to do things a little differently this year so it’s not so obvious that my dad isn’t there, but we will all be at my mum’s - 17 of us! My dad used to do a stocking for my mum every year so my sister suggested that we all contribute some small gifts towards one so there’s not a glaring gap. I’m looking forward to it. I am also aware that I am surrounded by lovely people in my friends and colleagues. Christmas feels like a good time to appreciate that fact.
It's a weird time of year where we really do experience an accounting of life's blessings, whatever they are. Why they're not as apparent the rest of the time, who knows? Maybe we need cultural permission to pause in an otherwise hectic life. Happy Christmas!
My hubby and I will spend Christmas with his parents eating good food and playing cards. Simple and lovely.
We used to play euchre every Christmas with my German-American family. That was heaven. Merry Christmas!
Hey Cole. I was fortunate to have my son (35 today) come visit for Thanksgiving. And my 3 adult daughters will be visiting him for New Year's. So I'm grateful that they all will be together. I can't go, on probation at a new job. As for beauty, I take solace is watching winter from inside a warm home. Peace
Watching winter out our windows is a special joy, at least when there's something to look at. Winter in Australia is just...gray and rain. I miss American Midwest winters. Hope the weather gives you something to appreciate, Juin!
Certainly not with my family, although I've got a pretty good found family these days. I moved North a couple years ago and find a lot of beauty in snow cover. Fresh snow, not after it's been driven down to a grey slurry. I've seen more snow covered landscapes in the past couple years than the previous fifty.
Family doesn't have to be blood, I learned that a long time ago. Happy holidays!