Sometimes, You Need a Nudge

Christmas has come and gone once again. And I didn't put up a tree - well, okay, a little ceramic one. And a wreath and a couple of my favorite old Christmas items, but nothing approaching a full-blown, all-out, ring-a-ding Christmas of old. I decided last year that it was over. That I was no longer willing to put myself in such a stew over one day. So I didn't. Oh, I baked cookies, and gave my kindly neighbor a gift. He does much for me, quietly. I gave my grandchildren cash gifts. They are teen-agers who have their own tastes and styles and I wouldn't begin to even think of selecting something tangible to open. One little girl got a gift because she's so easy to buy for and loves what I buy. One little girl got a promissory note for something she's scheduled to need come Summer. I spent the day alone and watched TV and read and enjoyed not having to pretend that I have a Leave It To Beaver family. My children found other pursuits for the day and let's hope that it begins a new tradition for them all. I visited with them later in the week and it was up to someone else to provide the food and libations and the tree and the atmosphere. It went well. Mainly. And the sun continues to rise in the East and the world continues to turn. And I feel content. Sometimes, you just have to get a nudge.