I love this time of the year. Everyone seems a little kinder, a little gentler. The twinkling of the lights has a calming effect, and the holiday greetings put a smile on my face. Of course, it’s busy and somewhat stressful to get everything done and attend all those parties!! Yet, no matter, it’s well worth it to re-connect with people and remember the important things like family and friends and pause to reflect on the true meaning of the holidays. [Read more…] about Merry Christmas
A Very Merry Christmas
A Very Merry Christmas and to All A Goodnight!
I love Christmas and everything it stands for. I love the season because it tends to bring out the best in all of us. And I love the lights, the smells, the food and the holiday spirit that connects people. It is indeed, a special time of the year.
Tomorrow is such an important day, especially for those of us who believe that this country was built on the premise that we are a Christian nation, with a belief in a traditional Christmas celebrations and the birth of Christ. I make no apologies for my belief. I respect others who believe differently and have friends from other faiths and those who simply do not share my opinions, but I stand fervent in my way of thinking. I don’t have a problem with wishing them Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or whatever. I do have a problem with those who want to tread on my rights to celebrate Christmas as a Christian holiday.
I say this because it appears in the last couple of years that there has been such an issue of political correctness in the media that some hesitate to hold to their basic principles or refuse to acknowledge them publicly. So I am telling you now, Merry Christmas!! And I make a point of saying that to every store employee I meet who wishes me Happy Holidays. I appreciate their kindness and certainly want happy and safe holidays, but I also want them to know that I cherish what those holidays are really about.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I am the most stringent, rigid and inflexible believer in Santa Claus you will ever meet. I am the last hold out and to this day, will never admit that there is no such thing. Yes, Cindy, there is a Santa Claus was never really necessary, because no one could convince me differently then or now. Santa is a symbol of all things good, of giving and caring. I don’t think I compromise my spiritual beliefs by allowing Santa to share in the whole Christmas experience. Besides, how else would I get all those good gifts? And, in case you run into him, please tell him that I have been extremely good this year, and when I haven’t I can explain. I’ll have the cookies and milk waiting!!!
Think Snow
I arrived in Ruidoso, New Mexico on November 20, after several stops and hotel stays along the way. After all, it is a 16 hour trip, so no need to rush. I know it seems crazy to go west to cold country for the winter when others are traveling south to stay warm, but every now and then I like the change, and the way the mountains, trees and potential for snow add to the holiday excitement. The little village here is decorated for the Christmas season (and I do not apologize for calling it that—whoever “invented” political correctness should be burned with a yuletide log).
The twinkling lights hanging along the storefronts in mid-town look just like a holiday card, and the people bustling around the shops remind me of those described in the traditional carols playing on the radios inside the stores. It is, indeed, a magical time, and although I love South Padre, the palm trees just can’t compete this time of year with the tall pines and junipers. It just smells like Christmas here. Of course, when the temperature is 19 degrees in the morning, it definitely feels like Christmas.
Ski Apache is open, and ski racks on top of SUVs are as common a sight as fishing poles hanging out of pick-up truck beds at the island. The drive up the mountain is scary, especially if the snow refreezes over night. Even with the newly added guard rails, it is a treacherous 12 mile drive. But it doesn’t stop the die hard skiers and snow boarders. In my younger years I forged up there and skied a few times. These days, I opt for a hot toddy and a good book in front of my fireplace. Skiing is hard work, and there are not enough hot tubs to make me less sore the next day. Been there, done that, and glad to have the memories, which include landing in a snow drift and running over an old man, not to mention falling off the lift when the operator yelled jump.
They had to stop the whole lift just to keep the chair from taking off the top of my head. And I had lessons!! Think what might what have happened if I had tried this without ski school. As you know from reading earlier blogs, lessons don’t necessarily “take” with me. But I love a winter wonderland, and I’m happy to be here to celebrate the season. So close your eyes and think snow!