I'm whispering. Christmas is almost here. In my miserable, dire, gloomy situation here in the purgatory of physical therapy, I'm not in a celebratory mood. But let's expunge that for now. I won't trash Christmas as I did in my previous post.
What should I write about?
I don't have very many interesting holiday stories to tell. My parents celebrated Christmas when I was a small child. But......truth to tell......
....my parents were absolute direct opposites, but they agreed on certain things. Both of them disliked parties, social gatherings, and holidays.
They eventually stopped indulging in Christmas when I was still a fairly young age. I suppose I was very similar to them. I didn't really care. They gave me things when I wanted them. They always remembered my birthday.
So there.
Tonight I'm remembering Christmases so long ago that they seem to be in another realm.
When I was a young child in New Jersey, old holiday traditions still prevailed. People had real genuine pine trees.
(yes, I'm aware of the negative aspects of destroying trees just for a holiday.....artificial ones are much more convenient....but.....I hate artificiality, that's my preference).
The old tradition back then was to decorate the tree on Christmas Eve (usually during the day)....and take it down after New Year's Day.
Nowadays the tree is put up in early September....and reluctantly taken down after Easter....
Very slight exaggeration. Very.
Do we still treasure hand-written Christmas Cards?
Not when cards are $10+ and postage stamps are...what....$5.....??
I lost track when stamps were 50 cents.
Anyway, Xmas cards were a big deal when I was a child. And my parents strung them up in lovely rows across the walls.
What about Santa? I was an extremely gullible child. If I wasn't told that there's no Mr. Claus, I'd still believe in him.
I remember one snowy day, my Uncle Steve (Aunt Irene's husband) called up and pretended he was Santa Claus. I was about four yrs. old and fell for the ploy. I regurgitated the list of toys I wanted. Good ol' Uncle Steve did a plausible Imitation of the hohoho Claus fellow.
Those were blissfully golden years when I was adorably innocent.
You should see me now.
Jon 🌲⛄️❤️⛄️🌲
as far from innocence as anyone can get
Heck, I still luv my sweet AI creations.
Tidings of good cheer. More blogging ahead.....
I'm so glad you're continuing to blog. I think Christmas is for extroverts! I can't be joyful on demand.
ReplyDeleteI am definitely an introvert. I have no need whatsoever to be joyous. Look at the bright side - - by Friday it will be over.
DeleteMemories of my childhood Christmases are hazy, although I am sure my parents made it fun for my brother and myself as I have seen some old home movies. There was always a real tree decorated with lights, round glass ornaments and lights by my parents and presents placed on Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteYes, to cards, sending and receiving despite the cost of a 78-cent postage stamp now. Send me an email with your location, Jon, and you will get one as well with no Happy Holidays, but always Merry Christmas for me.
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DeleteI mostly remember the New Jersey Christmases when I was a small child. When we moved to California things were a lot different. The sunny warm climate subtracted the Xmas joy.
DeleteJon Varga
Waters Rehab Facility
1340 N. Grundy Quarles Hwy.
Room 04-B
Gainesboro, TN 38562
Thanks for the address info, Jon. Your card wil be late, but it should give you a laugh (or two).
Deletethecontemplativecat here. I remember the Christmases of youth, and they were always good. We are having rain today! Living in a desert area of S. CA. the rain is always a gift.
ReplyDeleteI was raised in Southern Calif. and I remember some rainy Decembers. Somehow it was nice and cozy to have a rainy Christmas Eve.
DeleteHave a peaceful and blessed holiday!
I hold my Christmas memories close to my heart, and am most grateful for all the efforts our parents and grandparents afforded us. I surely hope that your physical therapy helps get you back on your feet, and you are able to return to your home in the forest. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Jo
Yes, Jo, my early Christmas memories were the best, and my parents did all they could to make the holiday pleasant.
DeleteMy physical therapy is painful and slow, but I'm progressing. I'm hopeful that this upcoming new year will see me returning home (soon!).
Wishing you and your family holiday blessings.
❤️
ReplyDelete⛄️❤️⛄️❤️
Delete🎄✨ Merry Christmas Eve ✨🎄
ReplyDeleteGod bless ya Jon ! :)
-Rj
I appreciate that, Rj - I hope you have a very pleasant Christmas Eve!
DeleteMerry Christmas, yes, our Memories can be poignant and nostalgic. I've always made a big deal out of the Holidays and my Kids and the Grandkids I Raised said they did appreciate that. That said, for some of them who have Special Needs like Mental Illness, the Holidays could be too much Sensory Overload and as Adults, they sometimes don't bother since it's too emotionally stressful and too stimulating in a bad way, plus, if someone has Clinical Depression, the Holidays can be the absolute Worst. I miss exchanges of Christmas Cards, not exchanges of Gifts... Cards are still somewhat affordable if I score them at a Chazza, tho' Stamps are out of Hand, aren't they? They just say Forever now so you're not reminded about how much they're charging you per Stamp. *Smiles and Eye Roll* I have a short list of Christmas Cards now, since I respect if someone just doesn't want to do it anymore.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the target when you described it as sensory overload. The holidays can be completely ovetehelming for so-called "normal" people, not to mention those who are inflicted with mental problems. I like Xmas cards, and some people I know still send them. And aI do have Forever stamps.
DeleteGood to hear from you.
I meant "overwhelming"
DeleteI'm so glad you're finding a morsel of comfort in memories. I tried to leave a message on your prior post, but given our similar states of mind, it's probably best that (it) didn't take. Nothing's been the same since the loss of my mother and then my former husband. Last Sunday night my first-and-best Alabama friend passed unexpectedly. So ya, December can be the hardest month. But this isn't about me.
ReplyDeleteLet's continue encouraging one another and focus on making 2026 a year to remember. ❤️
I'm so very sorry that you've had another loss in December. Too many painful memories taint this month. My father actually died a day before December. I was alone with both my parents when they passed - those memories still bring me to tears. Sorry to be depressing.
DeleteYes, we should focus on the new year, encourage one another, and pray for positive things.
I was gonna catch up and Comment on the previous Post but it wouldn't allow me to tell you how much I enjoyed it, trashing Christmas can be as entertaining as celebrating it, IMO. And you made me laugh thru it even tho' I know right now, you're also suffering and that makes me just wanna reach out with a Virtual Hug.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I dislike my posts so I disable comments. Virtual hugs are accepted.
DeleteMerry Christmas, Jon. I'm wishing you the best for the coming year. Home Sweet Home is on my wish list for you....and a Kitty for the new year, too!
ReplyDeleteParanormal John
You've got my wishes right on target - - home and a kitty...and an ability to walk (at least with a walker).
DeleteHave a pleasant Christmas, John.