Suddenly Thankful
Fri., December 7, 12:59 PM
Every year I remind myself that I should not be writing about Christmas, inasmuch as I don't celebrate the holiday. I would not avoid celebrating with friends, but we — that is, Husband and I — don't go out of our way to do Christmas. It's not our business. I usually do one rant about the commercials — when they are especially offensive — and then try to shut up.
But those of you who know me a little may have noticed that I didn't write about Thanksgiving this year. There are times when all kinds of outside influences prevent creating my favorite holiday as I would prefer to do, and this is one of those times. I made three of my “famous” dishes, but my instincts are rusty. A natural cook goes with what she has; “if I 'm out of raisins I can substitute…” I couldn't remember. I felt sad and stressed and, certainly, somewhat resentful.
Thanksgiving passes and marks the beginning of the season that I just don't celebrate. Suddenly, a couple of weeks past Thanksgiving, I'm feeling intensely grateful. Strange as it may seem, the source of this appreciation is my online buddies.
Everyone seems to be under such intense pressure. No such stress for me. Hanukkah is a low-key holiday, and I was able to prepare for it while Husband was at his Adult Day Care. Trader Joe's sells good frozen potato latkes. Of course, I made my own applesauce, 'cause I never use that stuff that comes in a jar. I also did the spinach casserole again, because all of us like it and it rounded out the meal. I set up the new electric menorah (and I simply add another light bulb for each night); as far as I'm concerned, this is a “kosher” menorah. In addition, a friend who knew we couldn't use candles near the oxygen brought us an electric one to hang in the window. (Okay, that's not a kosher one, but the thoughtfulness makes it a precious gift indeed.)
Without enumerating them, I would like to list a few other things that make me feel grateful.
- Despite its drawbacks, which are legion, we still have the Cheesebox over our heads — and it's all ours.
- Our children continue to give us aid (driving, general help) and moral support.
- We can afford to buy small gifts, as well as improvements the house needs, without going into debt.
- If you can't have perfect health, the next best thing would be good medical care, and we do have that, as well as the Medicare system to thank for financial assistance.
- I am deeply grateful for Adult Day Care. For one or two days a week, I have about seven hours without the constant need for vigilance and maid service. It is worth whatever it costs.
- I'm glad to be able to go out of the house and be driven to the market, the doctor, etc. I'm especially glad that my favorite market is within a couple of miles.
- I 'm thankful that radio, television, and the internet continue to bring the world in to me when I can't go out to find it. And forever thankful for books!
Let us not forget how all these winter holidays began, searching for the disappearing light. We have two more weeks till solstice, after which — giving ourselves a couple of weeks more darkness — we can start looking for the daylight when we get up in the morning. And then we'll all feel better.
