Merry Christmas and Holiday Greetings

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah! Happy Kwanaa!

Whichever holiday you celebrate (or don’t) this is the season where everyone gathers, reflects, and rejoices. No one is alone. Reach out to friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to share in the celebration. If you have a pet, let them join in the fun.

This is the fourth Christmas without my mom. I must admit that my holiday mood always waned since her passing. I try to remain upbeat, but sometimes it’s hard. Mom loved Christmas and the holiday season always reminds me of her.

When we were children, Christmas was the biggest celebration of the year after our birthdays. Mom went all out. She may have struggled the whole year, but when it came to Christmas, mom acted like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Bill Gates put together. There were always tons of gifts under the tree and stockings filled with candy and other goodies. My brother and I would spend the entire day opening gifts, sometimes a few days as things got moved around under the tree.

The tree was another matter. Over the years, we had trees that were tabletop to trees that were six feet tall. For several years, we had a trio of trees. There was one for each of us. They would be decorated with tinsel and garland, bulbs, and bows. They would glisten under the living room lights. Christmas in our home was a magical time.

Today, things seemed have come full circle. We have gone from a large tree to a tabletop one. I found it at Target and fell in love with it. I bought a cloth with a tree on it and hung it in the background. I purchased tinsel to decorate our living room and foyer but depression slowed me down. I did manage a wooden star for the foyer and tinsel around the tree.

I was in a mood this morning. I was supposed to have all my gifts done and ready for delivery. I had taken two days off from work just to craft my gifts. I didn’t do it. I did other things with the time. I was so busy running around that I would come home hungry and tired. I would fall asleep with little else done.

It took me a while to get up this morning. But I did. I made what gifts I could, saving other things for birthdays and other presents for the coming year. The crafting bug has hit me so I want to complete the projects. I want 2022 to begin with a running start. Procrastination has caused a lot of harm. I want to manage my time more effectively.

So here we are, the night of Christmas. Kwanzaa begins tomorrow. I start my purge match towards the New Year. I want to organize and get rid of stuff. I have too much and I need to give it away, sell it, or throw it away. I need more room so my creative self can continue to grow. I’m excited by what I want to do in 2022, but the work begins now.

So, enjoy the holiday season. Stay safe. Wear a mask. Don’t drink and drive. See you in 2022!