In our world, “The Holiday Season” actually begins on Labor Day.
But the final countdown, the big finish, the major production number that brings Joy to our world goes into full swing the day after Thanksgiving. Places everyone. This is gonna be epic!
There are trees to put up, and nobody does a Christmas tree like the Muse – two to be precise – with 2,000 ornaments to be hung, some ancient, some new, all special, each with a story. Less is more isn’t a seasonally acceptable concept around here. Wreathes are hung, tabletops are festooned – lots of beauty everywhere. 200 cards have been designed, printed, addressed and posted – it’s become a thing and the number never seems to go down. How wonderful is that? 48 gifts are wrapped and shipped – because the baby grands keep on coming! And champagne is gifted...and stocked...because a person gets thirsty. The stage is set.
The local festivities and couples dates are scheduled and enjoyed! Here’s to good friends! Every night is kind of special. And finally, it’s Christmas, the actual day, which is as quiet as quiet can be – just the two of us surrounded by all the beauty and all the memories, some very good music and very good champagne and maybe a movie...maybe not. Perfect.
The following week tends to be a blur of zooms and phone calls and texts, and eventually New Years Eve plays out like Christmas – quiet perfection – with the added bonus of caviar and foie gras. Here’s your Happy New Year, right here!
And now, one week later, the packing up is underway. Just like that. The trees are gently un-decorated, the ribbons and wrappings are stored away for possible future use; the magic is returned to it’s boxes, the seasonal beauty is, once again, on hiatus for another 10 months.
But the memories continue to be enjoyed and cherished, and new ones continue to be made. And really, isn’t that the point? Yes, I think so.
“Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.”
– Winston Churchill
Comments