Tis the season
It's the most, wonderful tiiime, of the yeeear...
I love singing it, not saying it! Yes, I know, many (most) people don't welcome my enthusiasm so I try to direct my Christmas caroling to the dog. He may join in himself (he has a lovely voice) but he invariably accepts my songs, even without an ear scratch. Tis the season of unconditional love.
Christmas time is heeere.... la la la, lah laaah.... I serenade my sleepy pup.
Since these songs flutter into my consciousness but once a year, I don't even remember most of the lyrics. I come up with my own alternatives: It's the most wonderful time of the year! When your puppy is fluffy and joyfully bounds, you can give him an egg..... and he'll be, really flu-ffy.... the year 'round! (Are you singing along?)
Last year my aunt and I sang through a book of Christmas songs with piano accompaniment by my grandma. Joyous voices, laughter, and merriment, that's the best part for me. I'm always the last person to throw in the towel (or carol book). One more, anyone? Tis the season of magical, musical family moments.
This year I'm 1000 miles from my husband and sharing a home where other holidays are celebrated and I find myself with low energy. Not resentment, self-pity, or disappointment, but the timing is off. Christmas is the caffeine that propels me through the end of the year. Normally, I'm overly sentimental and cuddly, gearing up for the holiday, wrapping a couple of nice presents and numerous silly gifts like gum and coffee because I delight in the innocent glee on my husband's face as he opens each item. In contrast, these days are tremendously ordinary, without the extra sparkle of anticipation. I'm sleepy, quiet, vaguely wondering if I've forgotten something. Tis the season of being thankful even when you can't have what you really want.
