It Gets Worse

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Until Then...

I remember when I was small, standing at the bottom of our stairs, getting ready to head up to bed on a long ago New Year's Eve. Dad was shutting off the living room and hallway lights and as we headed out of the darkness, up the stairs to bed, he said to me, "Goodnight" and then he added, "I'll see you next year."

I thought it was one of the most clever things that I had ever heard, and so every year for the last several years, as I cover Sam up in bed on New Year's Eve, I say the same thing to him. And every year, because of Sam's non-reaction, I find myself explaining it to him. But it's like explaining a joke - it becomes even less funny, or in this case, less clever, the deeper you get into it. The problem is, Sam gets it. Unlike me, he's just not that impressed by it.

I'll try it again next year.

For now, let's end this year as we ended last year and the year before it - with the same music to close out the night and to close out the year. Happy New Year to you all... and I'll see you next year. (Get it? Hello?)

Winding Down

Here we are, the last day of the year. The sun is shining and the morning temperature is rising to an almost spring-like eight degrees. With luck, it may, like yesterday, reach into the high teens. But even if it does, it won’t last. Tonight, the temperature is predicted to fall to nearly ten degrees below zero - and that’s without the wind chill. I haven’t bothered to see what the wind chill will deduct from that.

I assume that some people, for reasons that has always escaped me, will brave the cold tonight, to go somewhere and watch a ball drop. While I think there may be a certain value in this type of metaphor, I’ve never understood the appeal of watching this on TV, let alone “in person.” The idea of watching this reminder, while standing in freezing temperatures along with a large crowd of loud and annoying people, is not my idea of a celebration. Why it’s anybody’s idea of a celebration, is beyond me. Maybe it makes the rest of the year seem more tolerable by comparison.

Instead, we will have our New Year’s Eve celebration at home - ordering some alleged Chinese food, watching a little TV and then heading up to bed somewhere before ten o’clock. Except for the part about the Chinese food, this is pretty much how we spend every night. I’ve seldom stayed up to greet the New Year, and so far, the New Year has arrived whether I'm waiting for it or not. I expect this to be the case again tonight and if I’m wrong, I apologize in advance.

For this New Year’s Eve celebration, Sam and I have decided to break with tradition. Tonight, along with our usual order of Chinese food, we will be ordering some steamed dumplings. This is a pretty radical departure for us, but I feel like we need to shake things up and do something to improve our chances for the coming year. We’ve discussed this idea several times and we’re both committed to moving forward with it.

I will try to be back later tonight. In the meantime, enjoy this picture of my bedroom window, taken moments ago.

About the only good thing I can say about it is that you’re looking at a thick coating of frost, not at a two story high snow bank. Think about that as you make your plans for tonight.

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Santa's Response

Every Christmas Eve, Sam writes a letter to Santa. And every Christmas Eve, Santa writes back.

One of the things that, to me, speaks to the kind of person that Sam is, is that when he comes downstairs on Christmas morning, before he checks out the stockings and before he checks out the presents under the tree, Sam goes over to the dining room table to see if Santa wrote back and to read what Santa had to say.

Most years, the response has been a fairly brief note, just a word or two, but this year, out of necessity, I think, it was a little bit longer.

In all of the years that they've been exchanging letters, this is the first year that, after reading Santa's letter, Sam said, "I think I'm going to keep this one." I think that remark is a reflection of how much some things, generally unspoken - except to Santa - have been weighing on his mind. And I think that the response, and the fact that he wanted to keep it, offered him some comfort.

I would post a photo of the letter, which is currently in a protective sleeve on the refrigerator, but Santa's writing is getting pretty poor - fatigue perhaps, or possibly age - most likely a combination of the two - and it could have been a little clearer, though it was clear enough for Sam to read, and apparently, to appreciate.

Here's the text:

12/25/17

Dear Sam,

Yes, these years do go by quickly, don't they?

I hear what you are saying about finding a job. I'm afraid I can't help you with where to look, but I can tell you a couple of things.

First, you are going about your search exactly the right way. You are taking the time to find, not only the right job, but also the right place for you - and that is extremely important. It takes time, and I know it can be frustrating, and even disappointing - but it will pay off in the end. You are making an investment and doing it right.

The other thing I can tell you is that you are a very fine person. You are smart, you work hard, and most of all, you are a very caring person. These are not little things. They are rare and important - and you should be proud of yourself - as I am - and I know those that love you are proud of you too.

You are on the right path and you'll do great! Everyday you get a step closer!

Thanks for the snack (as always) and I hope you enjoy your gifts.
Love,
Santa

P.S. Sorry for the messy writing. It's been a long night!

Monday, December 25, 2017

Christmas Night

Has it only been a day since Christmas Eve? Bed will feel good tonight.

Goodnight...

Christmas Morning

A lovely Christmas morning. Snow is falling outside (which I don't have to travel in,) stockings were stuffed, presents were under the tree (all of which have been opened as of now) and an encouraging letter was left from Santa to Sam. Best of all, the family is together, healthy and happy.

The turkey is now in the oven and things have settled into that interlude between presents and dinner - my favorite time - where we relax and interact and reflect and enjoy the fact that we're able to be together for another day.