Christmas greetings and Happy Holidays! in Daydreaming on the Porch

Sometimes our light goes out but is blown again into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes the deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this inner light.

Albert Schweitzer


I love this time of year, but it also brings with it, during the days leading up to Christmas Eve, an annual visit from that old nemesis, melancholia, or depression, if you will. However, on Christmas Day, as now when I am writing this, the gloom of loneliness during the holidays passes and I enjoy the day at the festively decorated home of my brother and his partner at the beach. Their two dogs, Etta James and Willie Nelson, make me so happy with their unconditional love and affection. I am preparing soon to gather up the stockings and presents and head out there.

The past few nights have been cold and invigorating. As I walked to my apartment one evening after shopping, , I looked up and saw the Big Dipper and countless other stars. I smelled the wood smoke in the air from a house in back that always seems to have a cheery fire going on these deep winter nights. I breathed in the cold, crisp air, and felt alive and rejuvenated. Then I entered my warm and cozy living room and turn on the lights. Home.

Dear readers, you are like that warm light in the cozy living room. It’s your presence.. your nearness… your willingness to share your thoughts, dreams, hopes, and daily lives with me and others who come here to this writing community, that makes me extremely grateful.

This Chrustmas in 2024 has been unusual in one regard. During this season starting on or about Thanksgiving, I started buying Christmas decorations and nostalgic souvenirs of the season. I went all out this year, not because I was necessarily ecstatically jolly and happy, but because these simple little things give me much please as when I pass by and look at my Christas village with its candy store and hotel, a cheery sleigh with Santa and Snoopy from “Peanuts,” and, of course, snow people! When I stop to look closely at one thing or another, I smile or laugh softly. There is no one to share these with in person, so I’m posting a link to some photos I took last night.

I don’t say this fishing for sympathy from well-meaning friends and family who are together with siblings, children and grandchildren. Having no partner, spouse, children or grandchildren myself, these sometime ornate decorations lift my spirits and makes me feel less alone at Christmas. Maybe they’re a bit kitschy, but I like that. I’m smiling now.

The simple old fashioned things in life bring joy and peace!

https://www.flickr.com/gp/camas/y7G36bWg7M

Much peace to you this Christmas, and a Happy New Year!