But I diverge. Back in the early years, our early 40's in the 1990s, John and I found the holiday season filled with excitement, secret present shopping, and annual visits to NYC. We felt like teenagers with raging hormones, lusting after each other between visits to friends and family, walks in falling snow to Rockefeller Center, big dinners at fancy restaurants and a midnight masses just blocks from our hotels in NYC. Why church? We are barely cultural Christians, some say. However, the holidays give us permission to sing. It's the only time we can sing and no one bothers tells us to be quiet. We are jointly tone deaf and always completely off key. When we sing, we are happy. Why we even glow!
Now, in our sixties the nature of the holiday has evolved for us. The lust has given way to contentment; a perfect pairing we feel lucky to have. Presents are now selected treasures for our kids, now in their late 30's and 40's and their kids, our grandchildren. The oldest two (16 and 19) text us links for what they want. We are a reliable delivery source, right after Amazon. However, we still have one little believer, now three and a half, who knows is Santa coming and is thrilled at every present she opens, no matter what it is. But soon that will pass when she joins the ranks of "knowing" kids. Christmas is for little kids, always and forever.
We use the winter holiday time to plan our next life adventure. It's a playful time. We fantasize about where will we be at this time next year. Neither of us will be working; we'll be in an apartment to give us "get up and go" flexibility; the boat will be paid off; and, who knows, we may find ourselves in Key West munching on Christmas cookies while sipping Margaritas in the open air next to the water as Christmas lights sway in a warm breeze at sunset. Family and friends may visit - or they may not. That's the surprise of the adventure - you never know what may happen. I'll be writing -- that I know. What else? That's a present yet to be opened.
So, to everyone who reads these missives -- Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! May you continue make your dreams come true. Never stop dreaming! Never stop playing! Without dreams and play, life can be very gray and very sad. Don't let that happen to you. Have a bright New Year filled with jolly laughs and surprises!
