Well, I had every intention of making this blog a habit dear reader. Sometimes habits are as difficult to install as they are to uninstall I suppose. Here it is, almost Christmas, and I am back with good intentions. Short and sweet, that will be my new policy.
Last night we put up the Christmas tree. I know, it's late but this way I know the tree (a real one, always!) will make it to the new year intact, and it was really cheap. $15 for what started as a $50 Eastern Balsam Fir, a beautiful 9 foot tall specimen that says "I keep Christmas well". The night we decorate the tree has been my personal favorite for many years… better than Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And last night, my daughter said that it is HER favorite night too. Understand, we don't exchange any presents this night. We do listen to Christmas music, usually really great old jazz versions of the traditional Christmas songs, an UltraLounge Christmas compilation that is perfect for the party mood, and some rock classics such as the Kinks' Father Christmas and Keith Richards' version of Run Rudolph Run. And the Phil Spector Christmas album. The vinyl if I have time. We laugh, I have a glass of beer, the kids may have some eggnog, but it is really about family and about doing something together. The ornaments all have a history. Some are bought at the many Crackerbarrel restaurant gift shops we have stopped at on Florida road trips…there is Baby's first Christmas, the one's the kids made in kindergarden using construction paper, Fruitloops and glitter. The tree becomes an eclectic showcase of our family history – it doesn't go back generations and it is humble by many people's standards, but it is ours. It reflects an eye (eyes, actually) for detail, and it is not a "designer tree", with matching tasteful decorations and color coordination. I guess it is about as accurate a representation of my family as you could get, now that I think about it. :-)
I wish you all the blessings of the season and I hope you enjoy this holiday however you choose to celebrate it.
Peace on Earth Brothers and Sisters.
