Photo by Anastasiya Romanova on Unsplash
These past few weeks have been eventful for me. In anticipation of my insurance plan changing, I had a bunch of medical and dental appointments and a couple of procedures to boot. Nothing serious, just the general decrepitude of the “privilege” of growing older!
I recently got a packet of old photos, mostly of myself at various ages, from my sister. (She tucked it alongside two packages of fudge. Huzzah!) Looking through those old snapshots stirred up a lot of memories, primarily fond, some bittersweet. The Christmases of my youth were filled with joy and bounty and peopled by loved ones, some of whom have left empty places at the table.
My parents had a florist and nursery business, so my childhood Christmases were a flurry of activity: shopping for presents, helping out in the shop, family gatherings, church services, and playing in the snow.
Remember snow? The Northeast had a lot more of it in those days. I remember peeking out the window one Christmas Eve to see my father battling near-blizzard conditions to transport a massive box of presents from their hiding place in the shop’s storeroom to our house. It was the happiest of times. I often say that I grew up in a Norman Rockwell painting. Being raised in a loving family is the ultimate privilege.
This year, my husband and I are looking forward to a visit from our son, enjoying some home cooking, and watching movies on TV. If we’re brave, we may even hit the movie theaters like we always used to do on Christmas Day.
Whatever form your seasonable celebrations take, I am thankful for all my readers and grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you.
Gratefully yours,
Denise
Please scroll down to read some of my latest stories, along with oldies but goldies from the vault. Please click the heart at the bottom of this page if you like what you’ve read. Thank you. Here’s hoping 2022 brings health, wealth, and happiness to all of you!
Advice
Will This Be the Year You Finally Quit Facebook for Good?
Opinion
The Simple Gifts of Thanksgiving are Better Than Those That Come After
Relationships
Is Your Lover Planning to Give You a Broken Heart This Holiday Season?
From the Vault
(In case you missed it!)
Five Weird Wingmen of Santa From Around the World (Culture)
A Visit from St. COVID-19 (Poetry/Humor)
Happy holidays to every one of you. I appreciate your support. Let’s all make a toast to health, happiness, and better days ahead!
Cheers!
Denise