Happy Holidays!!! Can you believe we are just weeks away from the Christmas holidays?
For me, it is a magical time of year, and in keeping with tradition, on November 24, I will be putting away all my autumn decorations and bringing out the red and green, gold and silver, and whatever else I have amassed over the years.
While I still decorate with enthusiasm, I have cut back quite a lot. I still have the traditional tree with all the trimming, but it has gone from five-feet wide and eight-feet tall to a pencil tree that tops out at seven- feet and is only 24 inches in circumference. Much more manageable for this old gal…
For the most part, I have donated most decorations and downsized to a few that give me the most pleasure. I’ve learned that less is more, and our friends have made many favorable comments, so, I’m good with fewer Santas, elves and reindeer.
For the outside lights, I think we’ll be doing less as well. This year, we had screens installed on our gutters, so, the hanging lights will have to go. I may just have to look for some animated items to welcome our guests and spread cheer to all our neighbors.
While this is the happiest time of year for many; for others it is a very lonely time when they don’t have family or friends to be with them. If you have a neighbor that lives alone and is in that situation, perhaps you could bake some extra cookies or bread and stop over to wish them a happy holiday.
In the Villas, we have quite a few who live alone, so Jimmy and I have started a tradition of making ornaments for each one. That’s 213 items we deliver every year, and it has given us far more enjoyment than you can imagine. As the old saying goes, “to give is to receive”.
The positive responses grow each year, and in January, I start shopping for the new project we will be delivering next December. Each ornament is hand painted by Jimmy (he won’t let me touch anything), strung with care by me and delivered via a fun walk-a-thon the first week in December. Archie Bones loves being pushed around the Villas in his carriage and watching Jim and I scurry about hanging our prized ornaments on every door.
With all that is happening in this world, it only takes a smile and a happy holiday greeting to make someone feel special, so, this year, do your part and reach out to those around you.
Jimmy and I sincerely hope your holidays are filled with friendship and love…
Merry Christmas everyone!!
Longtime Tucson bar sold, to be redeveloped
