Typically, many of us try to take some time off just before and after Christmas to recharge our batteries before another year begins. For 50 weeks we have been grinding it out to make sure the money doesn’t run out before the end of each month. Daunting meetings seem to be the norm throughout the year. The truck leaves the house in the dark before the sun rises and the streetlights provide the path back home long after the sunset has faded. It is a never-ending battle. I suppose it’s like eating possum, you eventually just get used to it. Does this sound like your life? Is it a daily rat race with the rats in the lead in the last furlong? Though the year is quickly slipping away, I will share with you what some of my favorite activities are during this season. Now don’t assume it’s sitting in a tree or in a duck blind, though this does still occur. Here goes.
I am a movie and Christmas special junkie during December. I love nothing more than to get comfortable in my study, perhaps with eggnog in hand, have the candles burning, and search the guide for those iconic features that bring the season to life. It’s hard to rank them, but I will mention a few of my favorites.
The original Grinch, and how he stole Christmas, is right at the top. I have watched this for decades and the child in me still comes out, for I watch it several times every year. I remember back in the day it would only air one time during Christmas. I was heartbroken if I missed it. Today, with modern technology, we can “Google” it, find it on numerous platforms or just purchase it to watch over and over. I wonder why the anticipation of this film means so much to many of us. It just puts you in the mood for this special time of year. I still hope to carve the roast beast one day.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is another that I never miss. Burl Ives makes the show with his music. Bumble used to scare me to death when he attacked Rudolph, knocking him out with the large stalagmite. Who knows what would have become of the leader of Santa’s reindeer team had Yukon Cornelius and Hermey not tamed the beast. With new dental work, he is rendered harmless as a mouse and was hired to place the star on top of the Christmas tree.
Other featured presentations that I fondly cherish are Charlie Brown’s Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Story. We watch these repeatedly at home during this season. Stacey gets tired of Ralphie, but I am glued to the set as long as it’s on. I remember asking Santa for the Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-shot air rifle too. These family-oriented movies never go out of style, and we need more of them. By the way, when does the Wizard of Oz air? Isn’t it around this time of year too? I always think of it around Halloween, but I’m pretty sure it’s coming up soon. Oh, I didn’t like those flying monkeys either. Makes that Red Ryder come in handy when they show up.
What better goes with the Christmas movies than the homemade treats we all consume this time of year? Are you a trash junkie? We have already made several rounds of this concoction of the various Chex’s, peanuts, pretzels, and pecans. With each batch, we talk about what else it needs. Maybe a little spicier next time? Perhaps we didn’t get it quite crunchy enough. Should we use Louisiana Hot Sause or Tabasco? Just about the time we get it right, the holidays are gone. You would think we would write the perfect recipe down to refer to it each season. Of course, half the fun is making the stuff. What about divinity? Do you also make fudge? With or without pecans? Why do I schedule some of my medical appointments just after New Year’s? I love the kitchen this time of year. Even the heartier dishes like baked ducks and duck gumbo come to life now. Remember though, we’re not hunting in this issue.
I still love to ride through the neighborhoods at night and look at the Christmas decorations. This never grows old. Just a casual cruise through the villages brings a calm over you on a cold winter night. I still can’t get over the work and effort that goes into these productions. Even decorating the Christmas tree can be strenuous work…if you let it. This is the time of year to try and be stress free. Don’t allow the planning and scheduling of all the family functions to get in the way of the season. As families grow, it becomes more and more difficult for everyone to make it to all the places we are expected to be during the holidays. Go easy on everyone if they can’t make it. The dinners, the parties, and the crowds, can be overwhelming at times. Try and find balance and enjoy each day. This is a time for peace and reflection, don’t make it harder than it already is!
This may sound goofy, but I love the Christmas music on the radio stations. I will flip back and forth finding new ones every year. There is a wide choice to pick from on satellite radio. You can find the old stations with music from Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra. Then there are those stations offering a Country Christmas selection. If I had to pick a favorite, it would probably be a toss-up between Burl Ives, It’s a Holly Jolly Christmas, or Colorado Christmas by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Regarding religious melodies, there are so many to choose from. Some artists can bring a tear to your eye when singing Little Drummer Boy, Silent Night, or Away in a Manger. I never tire of the music in December.
What do you like most about the season? Is it spending time with friends and family? Do you like those long lunches at a local eatery with no timeline to get back to the office? Does that crackling fire, beckon you to the den with a good book or movie? I know we all have our own routines and rituals. Make a point to find something special to do that brings with it, no stress. Enjoy your morning coffee without the television on. Feed some birds and squirrels in your backyard and watch their feeding frenzies on a frosty morning. Most of all, just enjoy the true meaning of this special season. Here’s to wishing you and your family a wonderful Christmas season. Until next time enjoy our woods and waters and remember, let’s leave it better than we found it. Merry Christmas!!
