Finding peace amid change at the holidays

In three days all the decorations were up…to the tune of buzz saws and hauling machines for nine hours each day. There is not a deer or bird to be seen, and all those trees lie broken, along with my peace. The woods is gone. I can hardly wait for the next chapter. Am I a grouchy old lady? Seems so these days. It is hard to adjust to major change.

I always try to deal myself out of my problems with humor. Though there is not much to be found right now, I decided that this story will have a happy ending. I project that a lovely older couple will move into the house that will be built right next to mine. We will become friends, and after she dies a painless death, the rich and handsome husband and I will marry and go off to tour the world, leaving our houses empty for the next generation. Sometimes you just have to get silly.

Actually, as I ponder, I am finding myself so happy that I was raised the way I was as far as holidays are concerned. It comforts me that I know the words to the “Christmas Story” by heart, and that I know the words and melodies to all the true Christmas Carols, and never tire of singing them year after year.

My memories formed throughout my childhood are warm and loving. The atmosphere was always anticipatory and welcoming. We shared coffee and homemade cookies, with many different groups of friends, sneaked peeks at our hidden gifts and sang and listened to the music day and night.

Mother was big on tradition, so we knew what to expect each year. Well, perhaps not the year we kept a neighbor’s new puppy on Christmas Eve so they could give it to their children the next day. While we were at church, puppy, cute as he was, got out of his crate and opened everything under the tree as well as pulling the tree down and enjoying a few of the ornaments. I guess we could have gotten terribly upset, but he was so cute…I am sad for those who do not have the comfort and stability of those old days.

But it is over, as suddenly as it came, and it is time to look forward, to make those resolutions and to try to involve ourselves in a better year once again.

My major resolution is to stay active and creative, and to share whatever kindness there is with everyone I meet. I wish for all of us a peaceful world led by sensible leaders, and the ability to help others, as well as ourselves find happiness. Happy New. Year to. All.