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”
Happy Holidays, my friends,
I decided to designate a page for my Christmas series. Keep all of my memories and stories about Christmas in one festive place. There is more to come, but this should get you in the spirit of the holidays. Hope you enjoy them. Just click below…
Ah, the ruined Christmas gift. No better way to sabotage your own built-up magic spirit of the holidays than tampering with the biggest most wanted item on your list. I was about six or seven when I began to get to the bottom of this Santa break-and-enter gimmick. As each year went on, the more cognizant I became of the sneaking around my mother, grandmother, and aunt were doing during the weeks leading up. My senses became Santa sharp. I remember starting to spot cover-up Christmas things my family was doing to paint the perfect backdrop to a wonderful holiday to come. Welcomed, only I was on to them. I became keener on hearing Christmas code conversations that filled the cookie-baking nights of my grandmother’s kitchen. I knew, but the cookies were too delicious. And, one day, which turned out to be the beginning of the end of my belief in a man called Santa, was when I found peace a la resistance. I found the Holy Grail of childhood Christmas holiday wonder. I found the notorious and infamous gift hiding place. Yup, with all those particular sets of skills I had acquired, and with all the determination of a kid destined to ruin the only magical wonder he would experience in his life, I went ahead and spoiled my very own Christmas with one too many tears in the gift-wrapping.
Continue reading “Post of Christmas Past # 6 – The Ruined Christmas Gift”
Ah, the missing gift. Christmastime, a sad reminder that once again there will be a certain To: and From: gift nametag missing from under the tree. A present that no longer finds its way on Santa’s list. A gift we most likely have asked for every year since. It is one of the hardest things about the holidays for me. However, I learned a long time ago not to dwell on that when it came to thinking of the people who are no longer a part of my life. Instead, I started to think of all the memories I have of them and no matter what, they will always be a part of my life that way. That will never be lost.
Continue reading “Post of Christmas Past # 5 – The Missing Gift”
Earth To Ash 