I have just dug into what I have decided HAS TO BE my last piece of pumpkin pie until Thanksgiving. I make no promises about the thumbprint cookies (my favorites) beckoning to me from atop the refrigerator, though. As I sit here typing, I happened to catch my reflection in the dining room Dutch door glass and can plainly see that I have packed on the not-so-proverbial holiday poundage. A bit frustrating because just prior to the holidays I had lost about 8 pounds and was pretty happy about that. So that's not the reflection to which I refer in my title here, and I have determined not to beat myself up about it because 1. I have a plan for getting back on the wagon and 2. the experiences that together compile what has been my holiday season thus far have been wonderful and rewarding and I wouldn't trade any of them.....well, except searching countless stores for particular gift items that were not to be found, but I digress.
I am genuinely thankful that I can look upon this holiday season feeling satisfied and with a full heart because at the beginning of this month, I started a post that was melancholy and bemoaning the lack of Christmas spirit I felt. What then, helped to snap me out of my curmudgeonly outlook that had me, yes ME - turning OFF the Christmas music?? I surmise it was a number of factors that rescued me from myself.
"Scrooge, the Musical" undoubtedly played a large role (pun somewhat intended) in fostering good cheer within me. I mean honestly - how can one play Mrs. Fezziwig - Mrs. December the 25th without her character seeping into even my grumpiest days? Working with this particular cast and production company is such an honor and I thoroughly enjoyed just about every minute in the rehearsal and performance process. (the only moments I did not enjoy were when my recently operated on knees had difficulty with the choreography and caused me more pain than the ghosts did Ebeneezer) What an amazing and talented bunch of people who were genuinely supportive of each other. One of my favorite highlights was standing outside the theatre caroling in costume. It was fun, and satisfied my need to be singing Christmas carols, as the church I attend was not doing this music during Advent.....so I was grateful to get my fix. And let's not forget the post-show trips to Home D.....camaraderie and....calories. It's hard to believe that a mere 2 weeks ago this moment, we were wrapping up our 3rd of 4 performances! It seems like months since we were together and I miss them all.
My surprise visitors on opening night were the Best. Christmas. Present. Ever. Having received phone calls from each of my sons prior to opening night to wish me the traditional theatrical broken legs and apologizing for not being able to make it to the show, I suppose my reaction was pure shock when I was called to the lobby just before opening and walked out to see my son, his wife and their 3 year old daughter holding a dozen red roses.........and of course I had to go re-apply all the makeup that my tears washed away. My heart was full and that, coupled with adrenaline allowed me to accomplish the dancing without pain.
Between rehearsals and continuing to work 3 jobs, I had little time for getting the tree. And of course, I hate breaking tradition, so there simply is no other option than to go out and cut one. No artificial or previously cut trees for me! But then, finding a suitable tree become difficult because of what I call my Christmas OCD, so I was very thankful that the ONE day, during a very SHORT window of time, we were able to get to the tree farm - with unseasonably warm weather, no rain, and found a pretty- near -perfect tree in less than 40 minutes.
Other things that helped the holiday spirit were:
A girls' night and ornament exchange with some former co-workers whom I haven't seen in months, at a restaurant that pretends to be swanky. What a great evening!
I actually got to see/hear many of my favorite Christmas movies. And there's still time - after all, there isn't a WRONG time to watch "It's a Wonderful Life" - because we always need that reminder.....and, it was my parents' first date - and there's never a wrong time to remember them. Not to mention that the movie was first released in the spring, so even the film makers think it's ok to watch it at times other than Christmas. :)
A weekend in Pittsburgh that included celebrating Christmas early with younger offspring and his fiancé, that culminating in visiting Phipps Conservatory Christmas flower show and Winter Light garden. Gorgeous evening, lovely gifts and a trip to the always fabulous Cheesecake Factory. Add in a celebratory afternoon with Joe's mom and his kids......and a kennel bill that was less than anticipated and I'm a happy camper!
Attending a heartwarming and intimate dinner theatre production of "Home for the Holidays" - a 1940's radio-hour type piece with friends in the cast and the audience. Unique and festive way to spend a Saturday evening during the holidays.
Scanning the radio dial on one of my trips to a faraway school and finding Bob and Sheri on the air! I have so missed their program since it was removed from the one and only station in town who used to carry them. It was like finding a surprise under the Christmas tree! Almost makes me want to go back to work so I can hear them again soon!
Lunch with one of my favorite cast members from Scrooge which then included a trip to an antique store that had everything from the kitchiest of the kitch to beautiful decades-old furniture. And lots of laughter. And pretty decent food to boot.
The unexpected and deliciously juicy arrival of a box of chocolate covered strawberries! So incredibly good!
After a couple of years frustrated by Christmas eve services, it was wonderful to attend one with meaning. The evening continued at an open house which has been a tradition in our family for many years with - you guessed it - fabulous food! Home to wrap presents accompanied by Christmas music - - sweet, peaceful, soul-filling.
A quiet Christmas morning exchanging gifts with Joe, followed by a merry houseful of children and their mom and dad, and 100 pound golden.....lots of excitement in opening gifts, and hugs and kisses and baby giggles and a would-be ballerina flitting about all day in her leotard, tights and tutu. Mix in wonderful food and treats, and games of Dutch Blitz and Clue and a viewing of The Polar Express, and you've got a glorious couple of days. In my world, it doesn't get any better. Unless of course, other son and his lovely young lady could have joined us.
The Hobbit - 3rd installment. Admittedly, I didn't think there needed to be a full trilogy of The Hobbit. I even dozed off a few times during the 2nd one. But I thoroughly enjoyed this one this afternoon and it helped to take my mind off how much I was missing the holiday hubbub that had been going on in the house the past few days as the kiddos have moved onto the next celebration destination and quiet has once again fallen within these walls. We do have the 100 pound golden who has stayed on here at Mimi's house and he does make me smile most of the time.
With another week of official holiday time, I suppose this isn't the exhaustive list of the good stuff as I hope to have more celebrating and fun before trees start hitting the curbs and the beautiful Christmas lights we see in our travels blink out and disappear from the landscape. But this evening does hold a few minutes of down time and I thought it beneficial to jot a few thoughts of the good things, lest I focus on all the things I didn't get done, or cards that were never sent, or gifts I couldn't afford to buy, or people I didn't get to see. As always I already have my plans for Things I Will Do Differently Next Year.....but I don't want to forget the things I did get right this year. Despite all that I wanted to accomplish, and do differently than last year, it's truly been a Merry Christmas....one of which Mrs. Fezziwig herself would approve.
