Keeping It Simple...

Things were a little different for us this year.

We kept things simple.

Maybe it's a sign of the times, at least, the sign of our family's times. We're not empty nesters, but we do have adult children. That makes a difference. They are making their own money and they can buy presents for each other...many times better presents than they get from their parents.

That's something I can get behind.

Earlier this month we took our three youngest (and a spouse...) to Southern California for a week. We told them that the trip was part of their Christmas from us. They were fine with that. Works for us, too. So, when we came back, we looked at the budget and picked up only a few things. 

Another wrinkle to our usual tradition is because we have married children, things now have to be scheduled. Turns out, this year it was easier for us to meet and celebrate our Christmas today, Boxing Day. Yes, I worked today and so did my oldest, but tonight we gathered, had an amazing meal, then opened a ton of presents. Like I said, it's fun to have kids who make their own money.

Because we got started later than usual this year, we also did less this year as far as outdoor decorations. We hauled up a festive streetlamp, a illuminated deer, and a little Christmas tree. Add a small nativity sign lighted by a bright light and that was it for outside. It's simple.

I love it.

In fact, that may be all we do going forward. I didn't put up any lights around the door or window or on the roof line. Fine by me. Anything that keeps me off a ladder is a good thing, especially as I get older.

It's been a simplified Christmas. It's been a wonderful Christmas. When you think about it, it's not really whether something is big or small, extravagant or plain, all that really matters is the people with whom you associate. And I'm surrounded by the best.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

The Downside Of...Naps

 Last Saturday I posted a picture of a napping cat. I didn't see the cat climb up on the bed, nor did I see him fall sleep flopped over as he did. I didn't see this because I was asleep. It was Saturday afternoon after a morning of work and chores. This followed a week in which I took off work and did things around the house.

Needless to say, the nap was well-earned.

There are times when our little home is a napping house with me, my wife, the dog, and both cats possibly napping. Naps are great. Naps help rejuvenate. Naps recharge. I'm pro-naps. There is, unfortunately, a downside to naps. Naps are not good when you're driving. Naps are not good when you're on a video conference call at work. Naps are not good if you're a tattoo artist (or a tattoo subject...).

And, depending on the duration, naps can rob you of sleep at other times...like when you have a glorious morning to sleep in.

Hence, my Sunday morning.

The first Sunday of the year gave me an opportunity to sleep in. Church was pushed back an hour an a half (and attending at home means you can just get up and log on anyway, but it was nice to start later...), I could leisurely eat breakfast--no time issues. No, last Sunday morning was a chance for me to sleep in. But, at 5:54am (actually, a little before...), I was looking at my clock radio unable to go back to sleep. I could blame a number of reasons for me waking early and not going back to sleep, but I think it has something to do with those darn naps taken the day before.

Even if I could prove that naps were the problem, am I going to stop napping on a weekend day after having worked hard? Am I going to force myself to remain awake  when a nap would seem the logical thing to do?

No way...

Like I said, I'm pro-naps.

The Angel Tree Reality Gut Check...

It makes sense that what should be the happiest time of the year is also the time when some of the most unhappy thoughts can swim your brain. There’s opposition in all things, after all. In our family, this week begins the official holiday season with Thanksgiving coming up, then Christmas in a few weeks and New Years Day the week after that.

Everywhere we turn there’s ads showing us all the things to buy that will bring us happiness. We’re bombarded by songs telling us, among other things, that it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

I’ve often wondered why we suddenly feel the need to be nicer to others, give gifts and show our appreciation during the holidays. If doing all that brings us so much happiness, why don’t we do that everyday—not just during this time of the year?

But that’s a different topic for another day.

I’d like to say at this point that I’m not depressed, nor do I like to dwell on the negative, but as I think of the holidays coming up, I’d like to be able to get things for family and friends—things they want. Heck, I’d love to get things I’d like to get. But as with everything, we usually get the things we need and that should be enough.

I took a walk in the afternoon with a co-worker. He had to withdraw some money at his credit union. In the lobby there was an Angel Tree and I thought it might be an interesting picture to post.

It was then I began taking pictures of the non-traditional ornaments. After reading a few of the messages attached to the tree, it made me realize just how blessed my family and I really are. Imagine wanting socks, a coat or slippers for Christmas not because they’re “wanted,” but because they are sorely needed. It’s sobering and eye-opening and it’s something I needed to see today.