Taking Back Christmas

I've always had a hard time with national holidays, and especially Christmas. I just don't like the feeling that we're all doing the same thing at the same time. It diffuses the day for me. I have tried, over time, to take measures to avoid the things that set me off. If I'm really good I plan my grocery shopping in advance and go at an odd time so I'm not faced with a packed store and no turkeys! Gift shopping in advance helps a lot, too. For such a great holiday it seems counterproductive to be under so much stress. The day itself can never live up to the expectation. I'm not saying anything that hasn't been said many times before by many people, including Charlie Brown. Christmas has gone commercial.

This year I gave our usual guests notice that Christmas would not be at our house this year. If they want to exchange gifts, we may do that at some unnamed date in the distant future. I've discussed with my family what they really want to do, since all these years we've done what we thought we were supposed to do. My kids are probably a lot like most in that they have more fun playing with the boxes the toys come in than the toys. Yup. Our big, grandiose, prefabricated Christmas plans will include: baking cookies, staying in our p.j.s, and make-ahead meals. They told us they don't like the stress of presents and the outlay of cash (in their own way, of course) and asked for the tree not to be bumped up against the ceiling with presents. Apparently, no matter how we try to smile at the thought of the impending Visa bill, the kids are on to us. They asked for no guests so they could spend more time with us and less "going places" requiring baths and perfect behavior. They want Mommy out of the kitchen and on the couch watching Ratatouille with them. Wow. Count me in. I think my heart just grew 2 sizes.

Old-Timer's Disease

The best way I can update the situation with my Dad and Alzheimer's is to share a phone conversation my daughter just had with him. This was a few days after spending a week together over Thanksgiving.

(ring ring)

Bumpa: Hello?

Coco: Hi, Bumpa! This is Coco!

Bumpa: What? Who? You have the wrong number. (click)

(ring ring)

Bumpa: Hello?

Coco: Bumpa! It's me, Coco! (then states her full name)

Bumpa: (long pause) Who? You have the wrong... (Coco interrupts)

Coco: Can I speak to Grandma?

Bumpa: Grandma? (long pause)

Coco: Is Mary there? (using Grandma's name)

Bumpa: Oh! No, she's at the store. Do you want to leave your name and I'll have her call you back?