Stops and Starts

            Still ringing, screaming, and singing up there - in my head, but it’s a happy tune. Our day started hanging out with triple the most adorable toddler you ever did see, and errands that were actually fun. It ended with Turbo Tom (that’s what he started to call himself last night) clearing the dance floor at the Fairmont, and singing with the band to a very buzzed and appreciative crowd. Someone a little more gone than the rest, told him he sounded like Justin Bieber. We couldn’t stop laughing. A few others suggested Tommy post songs on You Tube - no need to protest, we are no longer tipsy, and are NOT going to do it.  But just for the record, someone also told my handsome hubby that he looked like Tom Cruise... we are still laughing. I ended 2010 and started 2011 wearing a tiara. Great stop - wonderful start to the year!

I’ll Be Gone for Christmas

        While everyone’s heading home for the holiday’s, my husband and I are getting out of dodge. Don’t get me wrong, I love Christmas. It’s my favorite holiday, and yes, I wish people still said Merry Christmas, instead of Happy Holiday’s. But then, I understand that some people do not celebrate Christmas, so I find myself parroting back Happy Holiday’s these days.

        Anyway, going out of town does not mean I’m avoiding Christmas. In our soon to be 

empty home, the tree is up. The outside is decked out with snowflakes, candy cane, and holograms, and all the sparkling Christmas lights are set to a timer, that will be on every night until after New Year’s. I’ve done some Christmas shopping, lined up at the mall, and gifts will be dropped off to nieces, nephews, family members and friends, prior to flight.

So why exactly am I leaving? Why do I feel a need to get away? These are just a few possible reasons: 

First, my husband says; “It’s our tradition. Like taking pictures at the fair every year. Besides, we need a White Christmas and it doesn’t snow here.”  

Second, he works in retail, and I need to get him away from the craziness with his sanity intact. I’ve experienced first hand what that was like, and must admit, have not fully recovered. My retail co-workers even refused to do a Christmas party or secret santa one year - In my shocked stage, I considered it sacrilege. 

Third, and probably most important, the last few family gatherings we attended before going out of town, was not quite the hallmark moment I thought it would be. In fact, I sat in stunned silence, as words guaranteed to land you on the naughty list were exchanged, tears flowed, and punches almost flew. 

        The year after, I blissfully run off to the mountains with my wonderful husband, while on the home front- punches did fly and hair extensions came off, or so I heard. On the up side, the food was still good. 

Whew, I must say the reasons, specially the last one, do make a compelling case for going away during Christmas, but I have an even better one. Memories. 

Where I come from, Christmas was wonderful for a lot of reasons. I didn’t even have a Christmas wish list. You got surprise presents, and they always turned out to be just what you wanted. 

People had Christmas spirit. They wanted to celebrate, and the rounds of revelry started early, usually at about December fifteenth. From then, there would be Christmas parties, night masses, gift exchanges, and holiday celebrations every night until after the New Year. 

Yes, it might have been a different place and time, but I’m thankful I experienced the joy of the season. I’m glad I’ve seen it manifested through people who gave of themselves, and did so much with so little. From it, I learned lessons that stay with me to this day, and for which, I will always be grateful. I learned to truly cherish the Christmas holidays, and appreciate the many blessings I’ve been showered with. 

Christmas is a time for happiness. It is not an ordeal to get over with. It is a time to love, to share, to believe in miracles, and be a child again. It is a time for moments that will sustain you throughout the coming year, and moments that will take your breath away. 

I have come to learn, that sometimes such moments get lost in the bustle of retail, the complaints of the dissatisfied, and everyone who is so focused on themselves, they fail to see what Christmas is really about. 

It was in the midst of all this, that a great idea was born. Grab at least one person you absolutely cannot live without, and get away. Create your own Christmas memories. Make your own traditions. Sing Christmas carols off-key. Dance as if no one is watching- hopefully no one will be. Throw a snowball. Play tackle football in the snow. Make your own list. Do what you want, or do nothing. It’s Christmas. We’re celebrating the birth of Jesus, so be happy. 

That’s what I’m doing this year. That’s why I’ll be gone for Christmas. I’ll be up in a mountain celebrating with someone I love. We intend to get so caught up in the Christmas spirit, we’ll glow brighter than our Christmas lights. Thank you for the blessings. Happy Birthday, Jesus.