A couple of Sundays ago we took all of our Christmas decorations out of storage and began the process. Always fun to get everything out again and reminisce over handmade decorations that have been lovingly created over the years. My wife Peggy, a graphic designer, has been making our Christmas cards since we have been married.
This year will be her 35th offering. There have been scenes from everything from It’s a Wonderful Life, to our family, including dogs, peeking around the corner as Santa puts gifts under the tree and 32 scenes of everything in between.
This year’s card will see our photo-shopped mask wearing family hanging COVID-19 virus shaped bobbles on the tree. Just trying to poke a little fun at a nasty situation. This scene will never occur again on future Christmas cards.
I have found myself Christmas snack shopping as usual. I will go to the store to get milk and eggs and come back with the milk and the eggs, but also roasted peanuts, stilton cheese and olives. This pattern repeats itself every few days. I will go to buy some steaks and salad material but will also come back with Hershey’s kisses, ju-jubes, pickles and walnuts.
At the liquor store, my $30 wine and beer purchase turns in to a $150-plus venture because I see that bottle of Advocaat for home-made egg nog, the Drambuie for a sip by the fire, and the bottle of Port needed to wash down the stilton and walnuts.
The past few weeks I have wondered about the grocery store flyers in this paper. It’s clearly platter season, but I wonder who we are feeding this year? Beautiful fruit and charcuterie plates and massive cheese palettes all look and will undoubtedly taste good, but who is going to eat all this in light of the current health guidelines that were extended on Monday?
Last year we had 13 of us around the table for an incredible epicurean feast showcased by the 29-pound turkey. As usual, it was so much fun. This year won’t be the same unfortunately. Do they make two-pound turkeys?
Following health guidelines will be emotionally tasking for sure. Juggling and managing “bubbles” will no longer be an issue for the foreseeable future.
I received an email from a friend who lives in Seattle wishing his friends a Happy Thanksgiving. He hoped that we would all be surrounded by friends and family. Sorry my friend. Wrong message.
Sadly, Nana will be behind the glass at KinVillage this year. If you have loved ones that are alone this year try to reach out to bring a tear of joy for them so that there is not a tear of sorrow.
Merry Christmas.
