Thanksgiving is over and I will say that even though mine was quiet, it was very nice. Both of my daughters were unable to come home this year so I spent most of the day with my good friends and neighbors. Spike and I split the cooking chores and between us put together a very good dinner. We kept it simple with a turkey roast, mashed potatoes and gravy from the roast, corn, dressing, Waldorf salad and cranberry sauce and of course rolls. Since we were only cooking for three, there weren't a lot of leftovers but I had my fill plus. I don't know why our eyes are always bigger than our stomachs on these feast days. So after a respectable time and some good visiting, I excused myself to come home leaving most of the leftovers for their late night supper. I admit I took a nap which probably wasn't the wisest thing after a meal but I was sleepy and I admit I had a good nap and was feeling chipper when I awoke so got busy getting the tree set up so I could decorate it.
I had put the outside decorations up over the past couple of weeks when I could get a nice day to work outside. The timers were set and as the sun went down, they clicked on the colorful display. All the lights had been checked out and everything was working but naturally the night they were to come on for all to see, I had a couple of burn outs so today will have to make the repairs and keep fingers crossed they will work tonight.
Now one thing I refuse to do during this holiday frenzy that is up on us now is the "Black Friday". It has been years since I've fought the crowds on this day to end up buying one thing on a list of several items and getting irritated at the shoving and waiting in line. I decided I would go back to my idea of buying throughout the year and finding things on sale during the year and stay home during this day of so called "bargains". Years ago I got up at 4 AM to get ready to go out with my daughters. We had to drive to the nearest town about 30 miles away and then when we got there, stood in line, fought the crowds inside, lost each other and think we only came out with one item we were after since they were limited and we just weren't first in line. I decided right then that this is not the way to shop and never went again.
So now, the frenzy is on as we head towards Christmas. I'm sure there will be more sales and more enticements but for me I've decided to be old fashioned and make several of the gifts I'll be giving. I have had to purchase a few but I'm still keeping it simple. In these hard times, I really can't afford luxurious gifts plus most of my family have what they want so I think it will be a pleasant change to give them something totally unexpected and made with love. Maybe we can all get back to the real meaning of Christmas.
So today I will be putting the finishing touches on the tree and decorating inside the house. I will admit when it comes to decorating, I might go a little overboard but I just love all the colors and lights and sounds of Christmas and yet I always make sure that the real reason we are celebrating is prominently displayed.
I have my grandparents Nativity which I put out each year and have bought or received other Nativities through out the years, so all will be displayed on the library table with the open Bible to the story of the blessed birth. This has become a tradition with my decorating and always in a prominent area so it can be viewed and the story read.
I know for some this has been a sad and trying year and that there will be an empty chair at the table. This is the second year of our empty chair but we have not forgotten and try to include him in our holiday celebration. We have a special ornament on the tree and we have our memories of the past which we seek comfort from. Fill that empty chair with your memories and know that our loved ones are watching over us and are with us in spirit.
I want to wish all my family and friends a very Merry Christmas and that you will find the love and comfort of this season and celebrate the birth of our Savior. Remember he is the reason for this season and we shouldn't forgot him at this time.
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