Holiday musings

Some thoughts as the holiday season draws perilously near. Contrary to my griping, I really do like the winter holidays. What I don't like is the commercialization of them, and the obligations that force people into situations that take away from the enjoyment of the time.

To me, the holidays aren't about presents, or how many houses you feel obligated to visit because of complex family situations (including houses of god).

It's about spending time with cold cheeks and frozen fingers, laughing in the snow with friends and dogs. I have yet to meet a dog that doesn't love chasing snowballs. Making snow ice cream with the first good snow, always brushing off that top layer like it's really all that cleaner underneath. My dad and I always made snow ice cream in mom's classic orange and avocado tupperware bowls. I'd pile the snow in and the milk, but he would always be the one to measure out the vanilla. Every year when I bring in a bowl of snow to make some, I think about him. Maybe we'll get fresh snow for Xmas and we can do it together again.




I get such an odd melancholy feeling in most stores around this time. Even though I don't have the pressure to buy presents for everyone, I see so many people who do. Tired and frustrated moms with antsy kids, quietly desperate searching for presents for in-laws and siblings, trying to keep the kids still in the massive lines. I smile at them if our eyes meet, or take notice of the thing the kids are hopping crazy about, which seems to give the moms a moment's rest. But for some reason I do have a sad feeling, thinking of people feeling obligated to spend money they don't have, trying to match the gifts they know others are giving. There is one store that's different, though - Fresh Market. Perhaps it's the softer lighting, and all the wood and baskets full of things. Or maybe the combined fragrance of numerous spices, cooked food, bakery items, and flowers. But there is always such a good vibe there, everyone smiles at each other and I often just stop and breathe in, enjoying the moment.

For me, I think food is such an important part of the holidays. That extra bit of care people take, the special items that only come out then. This year will be our first time hosting a holiday family dinner. My parents are coming down, and D's family is coming over. I honestly don't know if they've been together since we got married. I'm sure there will be odd tensions, and uncomfortable moments. I know that secretly people will be judging our lack of decorations, or some of the non-traditional foods I'm serving. But you know what? I'm going to have a wonderful time, sharing food and warmth with my whole family. And if they don't like it they can go to hell.