With Thanksgiving winding down, more holidays are around the corner. I enjoy this time of year with family gatherings, icy weather (I wish we had snow instead of just cold), and lots of delicious things to eat.
Life is busy, but overall a good type of busy; exhausting but also fulfilling. December is truly a time to remember all of the wonderful things in life – and for me there are many.
November ends with happy memories of the 9th annual Turkey Trot. Between the Lowry Wrestlers and Cheer teams and the enthusiasm of every participant, I return home thrilled and full of happiness. It is the best event as every smiling face and generous donation exemplifies the fineness of our community.
These contributions help Alzheimer’s and Dementia Awareness soar throughout the ensuing year with funds for in-home reprieves, education, and our new respite opportunity for caregivers. With four of these get-togethers complete, respite at the Senior Center brings joy and gratification to facilitators and attendees. I drive home each Thursday afternoon with just a bit more happiness ringing through my soul. If you are interested in having a loved one join us or you find yourself with some hours to spare on Thursdays, please contact me.
Social gatherings are essential to mental and physical health. A chance to visit and share ideas, play games and build models, sing and enjoy nutritious foods – with a tad bit of “junk” tossed in – enhances vitality and life.
We have many in our community who are alone and lonely. Although these are actually two difference states of being as “alone” can equate to solitude and peace as well as expanding feelings of isolation, abandonment, and loneliness, shared time is vital.
Our respite welcomes everyone as does any other meetings that I facilitate. Again, contact me if I can help.
Now for the weather. Some of my most delightful memories come from wild winter snowstorms in Spokane, where I lived until I was almost five, and Hailey, Idaho, where I spent the next four years.
I recall sitting on Dad’s lap (pre-seatbelts) “driving” us home one snowy Christmas Eve when I glanced out of the window and “what to my wondering eyes did appear” – Santa.
I had no idea that he sometimes drove his Buick rather than skid around in his sleigh.
Dad explained how reindeer get tired and hungry and I reveled in the heartfelt scenario. In Hailey, snow started in November and ended in late March or April.
Outside of my front door hung ice cycles 10-12 inches in diameter, growing ever larger with the passing daylight melt and nighttime freeze.
Beyond the porch mounded 5-6 feet of snow, perfect for snow caves and when temperatures dropped, I could dash across the frozen top life as if I floated by magic. Ice covered the canals and lakes near us so ice skating became a must. I remember my icy ears pricking each time an ice crack echoed through the canyon.
This year we certainly have cold and I am trying to bundle up to control my shivers, but darn, I wish the flakes would fly from now until, say, March. Think how strong my arms might become with the daily slinging of snow.
Finally, comes good food. Even though I no longer indulge in meat, I’ve wondered why turkey comes but twice a year – Thanksgiving and Christmas. I cook one for the meat-eaters in my family.
I love how the whole house fills with delectable odors as the windows steam up due to the warmth inside and the cold outside. I used to long for eggnog and fruitcake, enjoying both with my mom and later with my father-in-law, Tommy. Now the idea of all of that sugar makes my teeth ache – but the memory remains. Dressing and potatoes make up my holiday meals now, along with green beans and fresh baked rolls. I can take or leave most desserts although dark chocolate sometime beckons me. I used to crave fudge and divinity, but those longings have disappeared.
Is it the sweetness that nauseates me or the fact that these were my mom’s specialties and she is no longer here to prepare them?
Cookie exchanges are fun, although my friends’ creations take on a professional air while mine definitely reflect my less-than-clever designs. Oh, well, they taste just fine.
Happy December Days to You and Your Family! I hope everything runs to perfection.