You’ve probably run out of time
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
If you have been particularly naughty like someone I know well, then it is probably too late – your dye is cast.
Your lump of coal has already found its resting place all snuggled into the bottom of an otherwise large stocking tossed recklessly into a corner somewhere near an unlit fireplace. Precisely what naughty boys and girls (big or small) deserve this time of year.
Nothing.
I, on the other hand, have been particularly good this past three weeks (actually two but I am trying to stretch it out here) knowing that Santa has a soft spot for naughty boys who try hard and lead others towards the Nice attitude. I learned a few years ago I can be typical Naughty Charlie most of the year, however if I shine through particularly Nice for a day or two late in the year (early November) it blurs the judgment later. Regardless, I then clean up my act in December and know with confidence that both Santa and Tez have decided I’m nice (again) and will be getting gifts.
Which means I am scrambling for presents for Tez.
I love it.
While some folks hate Christmas shopping – I love it.
Sadly my lungs hate trying to do anything and what little out of the house shopping I now do is with an oxygen tank in tow and often a wheel chair. Since Tez is my wheelchair power it makes it sort of tough to shop for her. Which means I have learned a whole bunch about on-line shopping.
Three months ago I thought Amazon was a large river in South America, however it turns out to be a direct route for a crash course in online going broke. Just in time for a mail strike. Lovely.
Anyone who knows me well knows I am paranoid of anything electronic, especially if it involves money so I generally count on Tez to run the show. That’s rather difficult when I am trying to surprise shop for her. I am proud however to announce with the exception of a ‘lost in mail space’ gifts I am now completed with buying presents. Turns out Tez will get more than coal.
We are very excited at the Hodge House this week since Tez and I get to visit with Sid, Granddaughter Chelsea and our two twin great-grandsons. It will be our first visit with the twins.
Chelsea and I have so many Christmas memories from the past so that will be fun.
Next week Tez’s son Arthur will hopefully make it home for Christmas from Vancouver.
Regardless of a full or empty house on Christmas Day Tez and I are stoked. The house is joyfully buried in lights, tinsel, presents, table pieces, Christmas village displays, wreaths ….and were not done yet. If and when we run out of space or decorations (whichever comes first) we have a plethora of fun things to do.
Top of our list is making and decorating a gingerbread house. Neither of us have ever made one so this should be fun. We bought a prep kit for the task and are going to wing it. Should be a night of fun, especially if it involves hot chocolate (with or without baileys), or hot apple cider (with or without spiced rum). I’m not sure I even like gingerbread, but somethings can be suffered through and the idea of making a gingerbread house with Tez is simply too tempting on the fun scale.
While I spent time in the hospital a few Christmases’ back we got into making puzzles and I built a huge puzzle board. There’s a chance we may pull out a puzzle or two that was never tried.
And, of course, there is a flock of really sappy Christmas shows to watch mixed in with all the classic Christmas movies such as Christmas Carol, 49th Street, the Grinch …
Personally, I look forward to Christmas Eve when I will take half an hour for me and only me. I will find myself a quiet but decorated corner and do a little reflection on my Christmas memoirs… family, friends, moments, whatever flows into the memory bank. I will share a tear or chuckle with those that are gone from this planet or simply gone from my current life. Like others I’ve had many friends and family die this past year or two and want to mentally and spiritually visit with them. I will think of others I have shared this special time of year with during past years, wonder how they are, wherever they are, and wish them well. I will then contemplate how lucky I am where I am today. – and venture back to my Christmas Eve with whoever may be sharing our humble home.
This promises to be my best Christmas ever and I am so fortunate to spend it with my Tez.
I encourage all of you to connect with those close to you. If there is someone you feel the need to reach out to then do so. Take the time to take that chance to love again.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a great night (and day, and night, and day and…)
