Random Neural Firings

Friday Random Ramblings – the Christmas Edition

December25

I once rang the bell for the Salvation Army. It was freezing and I was standing outside of a Kroger in one of the wealthier neighborhoods in Louisville, KY. I was young and surprised at how many people looked right past me. I wonder if I just halfway expected the “rich” to be rude because that’s a societal meme, or if they really were. Looking through the foggy lens of memory, I have no way of knowing, do I?

Growing up, my mother made a huge deal about Christmas. Too much, perhaps. She worked so hard to make everything perfect – in her estimation – that she ended up exhausted and in bed most of Christmas day. We would have been perfectly happy to have “less than perfect” in order to spend a little more relaxed, quiet time with her. Still, I appreciate the passion and energy she put towards creating “big” holiday rituals and memories, even if I do not share the desire to do things quite so “big.” Although, I suppose I do have a bit of a “go big or go home” attitude at times. This year, I couldn’t go big so I did nothing. We put up no decorations. Too tired, too un-moored (between houses, as it seems), the baby’s too little to notice. I yearn a bit for some twinkly lights . . . But we are preparing a feast and friends will be joining us today, and more in the days to come, including a visit next week from one of my best friends from high school. I am beyond excited to see her and meet her children.

Hope you are all having a wonderful holiday.