It’s Christmas time. Joy to the world. Hip, hip Hooray! Let there be light. Not just any light. Christmas lights. Everywhere.
This is my time of year. I like the shopping (spending). I like the giving. I like the partying. I like it to be snowing, and I try to smile through the entire season.
This is a joyous season, and when you’re smiling in the crowded markets sometimes it reflects on the seemingly disgruntled shoppers.
I start the season early, like the first of November asking family members for their Christmas lists. They’re still getting over Halloween, so I don’t really expect any list.
I do not like buying (giving) something that may not be wanted. Part of that feeling comes from Depression-rearing cheapness, and part from my Dad’s criticism of this holiday gift giving: ‘Why spend money you don’t want to spend on gifts someone doesn’t want to receive??
Mother’s influence proved stronger, then and now, so I think a lot about both practical and impractical gifts that might amuse, shock or befuddle the receiver.
Whatever I come up with, even if it’s cash, I never feel it is adequate. No matter how much I spend, or how many gifts I buy, on Christmas when the family starts tearing and tossing, I shrink from a feeling of not having done enough.
It used to be the same way at work. Never did I feel the Christmas checks were enough. I find myself repeating a former boss’s remark when thanked, ‘I wish it could have been more.?
And, while employees are always grateful and expressive, I wish I could have done more. That is my low of the season.
My highs, not in any order, are the tree, outside lights, decorated walls . . . and the parties, which really means friends and family.
It’s such a great time to be with friends. Smiles and happiness abounds. You have the feeling there is real sincerity in their wishing you well, in health, good luck and freedom from worry.
Having good friends is another of God’s great gifts.
Just as I urge Christmas lists from the family, they expect the same from me. Of course, I don’t need anything. Hazel never needed anything and I don’t need anything. That’s the way it is with parents and grandparents.
However, there must be a list.
If you think about it long enough, a list can be made. Birdseed can always be used. So can the latest fishing lure. How about a banjo playing CD, jigsaw puzzle, ring of bologna, pickled herring, deodorant, ruby red grapefruit or a jar of jalapeno jelly.
But don’t get me a how-to book, socks (cause mine have to be special), shovel or shorts. Or, candy, cucumbers or car polish. Or, funnel, flashlight or fastener.
And, I don’t want another animal that might compete with Shayna for my attention. I haven’t got any more attention time left. I would like to receive any and all anti-shedding lotion.
Right now I’m having a hard time getting her as hyped up as I am for Christmas. She just seems to go along like it’s any other time of year.
Gotta go. There’s lists to be filled.