Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Slouching toward Bethlehem

The week moves slowly and inexorably towards Christmas. I've made surprising inroads into my preparations for the holiday itself. All the Christmas cards are written - with a few 'emergency' cards available should anything unexpected arrive and need a response in kind - gifts wrapped and delivered and a few Australian Christmas decorations are hanging from my sculpture of Pandora's Box which serves as a useful substitute Christmas tree, without the mess of fallen pine needles to clear up in January.

I noted a week or so ago that this is the first Christmas since my mother's death in 2004 that I have made any preparations at all, for various reasons. Last year, I was firstly, too tired, and secondly, once I'd had my diagnosis, all thoughts of a happy holiday season were lost to me. In contrast, this year, although I'll be muttering, "Bah! Humbug!" into the midnight air, I will cook sprouts and chestnuts and watch old movies on TV while putting my feet up. I fully intend to have a completely quiet Christmas Day. After all the drama of 2007, I am really looking forward to a day completely to myself!

And for the rest of the holiday, I'm going to enjoy days I didn't think I'd see.

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