Here we are again - December. The Christmas season is upon us. It's that time of year that some people try to avoid at all costs and others embrace. I love Christmas, and I believe in saying "Merry Christmas." I'll say "Happy Holidays" if I'm referring to the holidays as a group, and while I object to the Politically Correct Police who are trying to take Christ out of Christmas (and everything else!), I don't flip out if someone says Happy Holidays to me.
This year Christmas is going to be pretty slim around my house. Bobby ran for Sheriff but lost, and the next day was told to turn in his equipment, "and oh, by the way, can you submit a letter of resignation?" They want that letter so that they don't look like the bad guy and hopefully are able to wriggle out of any unemployment obligations. Bobby refused to submit a resignation letter, however, so now we're waiting for unemployment to get back to him with a decision. Almost 4 weeks! I don't make enough to keep us afloat, and although Bobby is trying to find work, there's nothing yet. I may have to try to find something part-time too...
Today is my birthday and with all of that on my shoulders and what is looming ahead, it's been a rather depressing day. Not because I won't get birthday gifts or a fancy dinner out, but because two people that I really wanted to hear from on my birthday were no-shows. How hard is it to text someone birthday wishes? How long does it take to send out an email? In this day of advanced technology and social media overload, video calls on your phone even, why is it so hard for people to connect? In actuality, it isn't difficult to connect, not really. It's all about "me"; "I'm so busy", "things are so crazy right now." They're excuses because we are so wrapped up in ourselves and our busy lives that we flat didn't think about anything else. Oh, we might have had a thought drift through but we quickly put it out of our mind by saying "I'll call later when things settle down" only, later never happens. I know what I'm talking about because I have caught myself doing it on occasion. When the guilt becomes overwhelming, we post something on Facebook - we could do better, but at least it's something...I guess. On the upside, though, my BFF since fourth grade texted me and that seriously improved my day :)
So, I won't be able to give fancy gifts this year, but I can give my time and of myself by saying "Merry Christmas" and meaning it, calling or contacting people important to me and letting them know I care, and helping out where needed. We don't have a homeless shelter here, or a soup kitchen, but I can definitely find some way to donate my time and skills.
Our lights are up and we're a bit late getting the tree up, but that's happening this week, so we're ready for the season. Bring it on!
