Once upon a time,
there was an angry little elf.
Who thought of absolutely no one,
but of only himself.
He’s always so mad,
which made the other elves very sad,
with his complaints that work, work, work,
was all they ever had.
Ah, Christmas spirits. Not those three ghosts that visit if you forget the true meaning of Christmas. No, these spirits are the alcoholic drinks we share with friends, family, and strangers during the celebrations of the holiday season. This is time of year that brings annual opportunities to take part in a festive spirit or two, or three, or maybe four, or…
By the way, I use the word spirits loosely to encompass all things drinky-drinky during December Yuletide. That also includes non-alcoholic spirits. Because you don’t need alcohol to enjoy the “spirit” of the moment. Good times being had at restaurants, pubs, bars, house parties, office parties, all over the place. Immersed in awesome atmospheres wrapped full of special cheer and merry wishes. Who’s round is it?
Ah, December the 1st. There are so many words to describe the beginning of our twelfth month on the calendar, and they all mean Christmas. The very second it changes from November to December is the same very second your veins fill with magic. Magic that lasts a whole twenty-five days and then some. Then…on the twenty-fifth day, we get more. Magic that can reach far and wide, high and low, and around every corner. Creating the perfect buildup to the arrival of Santa. The keeper of Christmas and all of its magic.
So far, I have purchased a gift, listened to festive music, peeked into storefronts, adored some lights, spotted reindeer, drank hot chocolate, walked in the snow, made a wish, donated to charity, ate a cookie, wanted to go sliding, had a sippy-sippy, watched a Christmas movie, and thought many many times of my own memories of being a kid during this wonderful time of year. And it’s only December the 1st. Go get some of that magic, my friends. You deserve it, and while you are at it, pass some of it on. Because, no matter where you are now, it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Happy Holidays!!!!
Until…
Ah, the late gift arrival. There’s nothing like a parcel drop-off race to the finish line to renew your faith in the miracles of Christmas. But if the holiday buzzer happens to sound and you’re left empty-handed while sipping on your seventh spiked eggnog weeping as you gaze out the living room window, it is then you concede that the Grinch must be more real than Santa.
Ah…the office Secret Santa. An annual festive get-together with your fellow coworkers. The people you spend a big portion of your daily life with. A second family, some would say. It’s a chance to enjoy a holiday break with that family, away from the weekly grind, and to take part in a little giving and receiving. I’ve been a part of a bunch of Secret Santas in my day. Most if not all of my former places of employment have practised the tradition and it’s no different at my current job. My law firm partakes as well. Each time, a fun experience. This year’s Secret Santa email dropped in my inbox last week. I picked my person to buy for yesterday. It was my first sign of Santa’s coming.
there was a day when the grass was the perfect green
the ocean glistened in morse code
each sparkle a story of its own
as I step lightly from rock to stone
saltwater breaths dry my lips
I wet them for a taste
we all know that birds sing
listen when they do
let them play out the tides
like that day that was just for me
on that beach of memories
with a shore full of driftwood and kelp
props in a backdrop of a day in my life
when I hear a crashing wave
when a warm breeze teases my step
and when mother nature holds out her hand
I grab on and go back again
under this one light
in the amber hue, I have my portal to then
an eve painted in summer
teenage banter filled the air as crushes bloomed
and comradery flourished
cool breezes were another layer of skin
traffic and the passerbys provided background noise
like an orchestra playing a scene of those wonder years
time dared not show its face where we ran, we played
all of us together having no clue one day we would grow apart
as age banished our internal youth
but for that very moment, a looping memory was being created
for everyone, I’m sure, for me… for sure
against the fade of those nights that will stand the test of tomorrows to come
I remember because each second I stand here in the illuminated golden of right now
my heart minted in aurulent
keeping this memory where I leave it
under this one light
Today is a new painting, you are the brush, now go add some colour to your life. – Ash
Ah, the Christmas argument. What’s a Christmas without a good go at it over gift ideas, and decorations, or how much does that cost? This time of year can bring a lot of holiday cheer but unfortunately, it also brings with it some holiday jeers. For example, last night while shopping I happened to find myself within earshot of a full-on couple spat one aisle over. You could tell it was one where both parties were whispering and shouting at each other. A very awkward moment anyone could relate to because who are we kidding? We’ve all been there at some time or another during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Tensions so high that with one tiny mood swing, all of a sudden everyone is doing a quick about-face, ready to throw Christmas out the door and forget it was even happening. Enough of this, we’ve spent too much money already. Half of what is in this cart is the wrong gift idea anyway. So there. Now, I am going home.
Continue reading “Post of Christmas Past # 7 – The Christmas Argument”
Earth To Ash 