Can you believe the holidays are just around the corner? It seems unreal because of the virus – how our everyday living has changed. Even though it’s hard to fathom that the year is coming to a close, my trusty calendar says it is, so I thought it would be a good time to post this Christmas tale from last year.
In excitement we wriggle from head to toe anticipating our daughter and fiancé’s visit from Nashville. The newly-engaged couple flies out early December to beat the holiday airport chaos. Thanksgiving dishes barely sparkle when we push and pull our Noble Fir through the front door. I want the house to be dressed in holiday attire for when they arrive. But the day after Thanksgiving is early to buy a tree, so the pickings are slim and the cost is a heart-stopper. Yet, there in the living room by the window stands the evergreen, reflecting in the paned glass.
My husband takes charge of putting up the outside decorations – hanging the Christmas flag, stringing the lights on the house, and sprinkling big ornaments on our shrubbery. My son and I begin indoor decorating by winding the lights among the branches on the tree. As we hand the wiry bunch to each other, around and around, they blink awake like eyes opening brightly. But then suddenly, they go out like sleepy eyes closing. When we tested them earlier, they lit up just fine, so their slumbering is surely a mystery. Feeling frustrated, we fuss with the tiny bulbs, and eventually, they blink “Merry Christmas” again. (Problem solved or so we think.) Then come the ornaments – many made by our children’s’ little hands: photos of them skirted in gold stars or in the arms of pink angels. The clothespin reindeer look excited to join Santa on Christmas Eve, and the homemade sequin ornaments from my husband’s grandma transports him back to the sixties. His grandma was stern but kindhearted, and when she cooked each Sunday for the following week, there was enough food to feed everyone in the county. Then my fingers feel around in the box for another ornament, latching onto the white puffy heart engraved with Dad’s birth and death date. It’s like hanging memories one by one, triggering teardrops or raising smiles. When the tree stands fully adorned, it truly looks Noble.
Outside for onlookers, the house lights blink a winter white with a splash of red, gold, green, and silver hanging among the greenery, but more Christmas spirit arrives with our Nashville kids. They gave us a beautiful wreath which hangs on the front door and completes the decorating. In the evenings, we gather around the table, catching up on life and sharing delicious food. They share their wedding plans and we hear their excitement to search for a special place to exchange vows. And we bake! Having my daughter home to help mix up some sweetness conjures up delightful baking memories.
I want to freeze time – for it alone is an illusion: drifting by like the slow drip of honey, yet, flying by like a hummingbird seeking nectar. With a blink of an eye, our visit with them has ended and it’s time for goodbye-hugs which are never easy; bittersweet tears fall like liberated water over a broken dam. Too soon my cell phone pings, telling me they’re boarding their plane. Once their feet safely touch Tennessee ground, I push the restart button in my routine. Phone calls, Facetime, and text messages don’t replace their presence but will suffice until their next trip.
Our focus is back to the Noble Fir and we notice it doesn’t appear to be thirsty. This evergreen that cost an arm and a leg is beginning to dry up faster than a drop of water on a sun-kissed sidewalk. Then to our surprise, the bottom lights go out! A couple of days later with one tilt of our heads, we spot the lights on top of the tree are out! Frustration seeps into our veins for a second, then trickles of laughter follow, and because we’re too busy to shop for new lights, our tree remains topless and bottomless where festive colors once shimmered! We join Charlie Brown and call it our Peanut’s tree – a little forlorn to our eyes but beautiful just the same. The angel our daughter made years ago, though only a toilet paper roll with lacey craftsmanship, sits in a place of honor on top of the tree. Replacing this dear angel is out of the question, so we look to her for hope that the tree lasts until the big day!
Moving on from our tree-light calamity, it’s time to bake again. I find my mother-in-law’s gingerbread recipe, preheat the oven, then press the button on my faithful hand mixer. When all ingredients are blended, I dip a spoon into the sweet-spicy batter. I have to make sure it’s fine for others to eat. Of course, I do. I was about to put the pan in the oven, opening the door, when I realize 350-degree heat did not whoosh out at me in the face. I call my husband over and we do some button-pressing, hoping our magic touches will perk up the oven. No luck, but no need to panic fully because the burners work, so not a total loss. The gingerbread stays overnight in the fridge, but I’m unsure as to how refrigeration will affect the batter. I call on a friend for help and use her oven the next day. When the timer beeps, the bread looks done, except for the molten-looking center – mushy, but honestly, gooey and delectable.
Two weeks pass since the oven’s demise, and no repairman is available until December 30th. It sounds like the death of many appliances! At least the oven functioned when my daughter and I needed it to for our upcoming cookie exchange. Four dozen buttercream-frosted sugar cookies were displayed on glass platters: stars, Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and angels all bejeweled in red and green sprinkles. Now, as Christmas draws closer by the minute, I feel off-kilter because I’m unable to bake.
While the oven sits waiting to be repaired, the alternator in one of our cars dies! First the lights, then the oven, now the car! But wait, there’s more…our big TV is next on this chain of events! What a kerfuffle this holiday season has been with things going kaput! I won’t ask, because if I do, we’ll wonder what’s next! I didn’t ask!
Because of the unexpected and unfortunate events, our shopping sprees have barely begun. But we’ll still find merchandise sitting on the shelves, contrary to popular belief that Black Friday is the only day to shop for Christmas. And each time I walk past our unique Christmas tree, I am reminded of the quote, paraphrasing, of course, “It’s not about the beginning or destination; it’s about the journey.” Well, the tree’s middle glows with Christmas enthusiasm and so does our journey through this holiday season in spite of the blips.
These hiccups caused us to pause, but they’re not the end of the world. Baking later could develop into a new tradition. Our tree will remain noble until Christmas Day, or at least we hope it will. Those temperamental lights will be tossed when the tree comes down. The car is on its wheels again. So, regardless of these glitches, the blessings stand tall: precious family time, safe travels for our Nashville kids, and gifts beneath the tree acting as an evergreen anchor. Saving the best for last – our family’s good health. What more can we ask for besides new lights for our tree next year!
I hope this account of my family’s last Christmas brought smiles and maybe even a few giggles. And I have a strong hunch, this holiday season will look a little different. But if good health abounds, that’s what matters most. And Cheers to hoping 2021 is much brighter for all!
Lauren💓💓💓
Baydreamer ~ Lauren Scott 
Oh my, Lauren, what a story! It does seem that appliances and other things all break down in a row. But I can see your good humor in this and know that you and your family saw the big holiday picture. 🙂
Hi Barbara, those appliance conspiracies are funny, aren’t they? 🙂 We always have to allow humor into the equation when things get tough or frustrating. Without a little laughter, life would be much gloomier. The big picture becomes clear in the end, too. Thanks for reading and for your wonderful comment. Have a good weekend! 🧡🎃
Lol. It looks like the drama of 2020 started early for your family
I know, pretty funny when we look back. After the holidays, 2020 started out pretty smoothly until the virus took over. Let’s hope for a better new year for everyone. Thanks for your comment, Molly, and have a great weekend! 🍂🍁👻
I enjoyed this look back, Lauren. I have to say it is the first post I have seen this year with a Christmas tree. 😁
Hi John, I’m not surprised my post is the first with a Christmas tree. 🙂 I just thought it would be fun since Christmas will be here in the blink of an eye. I’m glad you enjoyed a little bit of holiday humor and hope you have a great Halloween, too! 👻🎄☺
You as well, Lauren
Lovely memories Lauren! This year we have to soak in such memories and keep distance even from family members. Stay safe and take care.
Thanks so much, Balroop, and you are so right. The holidays will be different this year, but we have to make do with what lies ahead in the best possible and safe way. 💖🎄
Oh my…. what an adventurous Christmas you had. You even surpassed the ‘threes’!!!!
But it’s true. There’s only one thing that truly matters: health!
By the way, Copper looks so regal next to the tree!!!! ❤🤗❤
LOL, you’re right, Marina! And yes, health is what matters. The rest are just details that we may have to tweak and navigate differently this holiday season. Copper does look regal, doesn’t he? I think my son was enticing him with a treat, so Copper was fully alert…all for a tiny treat. Funny! Happy Halloween and Happy weekend, dear friend. 💗🍁🍂🎃👻🎄
He does have that extra sparkle in his eyes!!!! Happy Halloween and weekend to you too, Lauren!!!! 😘🤗😘🤗😘🤗
For Halloween this year we’ll just hunker down at home and eat all the candy ourselves. So pretty much normal for us.
Sounds like a delicious plan, Binky! Happy Halloween! 🎃👻🎃👻
Maybe all that was a harbinger of things to come… “Beware 2020,” all your appliances were trying to warn you.
Oh, how funny, Janis! You may be right! 🥰🎄🎃
Wishing you a blessed and beautiful holiday season, Lauren… ❤
Thanks, Bette, and wishing you the same. It’s fun to remember last year’s humor, and even though this year will be quieter, it’ll be memorable. I’m sure you’re enjoying the beauty all around you in Maine. 💓💓💓
Lovely, Lauren. I’ve been thinking about Christmas. We so need the festivity, the color, the joy! Your flashback brought that home. Thank you! ❤
Thanks, Gwen, and I feel the same way, which is the reason for sharing our humorous events from last Christmas. We have to free the humor in times like these. And I’m so happy my flashback brought forth that joy for you. Have a wonderful weekend. 💕
😊
Happy Halloween hugs, Lauren!
Thanks, Teagan, and sending hugs to you, too! 🧡👻
A year in successive lockdowns around the world certainly not one to remember fondly. LOL. Nice to see you can still look forward to visits from loved ones to enjoy celebrations ahead,
I know, that’s true, Ian, and I think this Christmas will be a quiet celebration. Hope next year has a more uplifting beginning.
That was a Christmas to remember, Lauren! I know this one will be different for us all. Remaining flexible and focusing on the greatest gift of all, our health is most important. Thanks for sharing. Many Blessings, Lisa xoxo
It sure was, Lisa! And this one will be different because our daughter and son-in-law won’t be flying out. 😦 But Facetime comes in handy, so we’ll make the best of a strange situation. Thanks so much for your lovely comment, and I know it’s early, but I wish you a wonderful and blessed holiday season. 🥰💗
Thanks, so much Lauren. 2020 has brought on many changes in how we connect. it is sad when we all can’t be together in person, like we usually are.
I wish you and your family a healthy and happy holiday season.
Many Blessings, Lisa xoxo
I felt Christmas in your post Lauren. It’s certainly going to be a strange holiday season this year. I feel like everyday is Groundhog day, lol. Main thing is to count blessings and stay safe. ❤ xx
Thanks, Debby, and my feelings exactly. We’ll miss seeing our daughter and SIL this Christmas, but Facetime will have to suffice. And those funny memories from last year will be revisited for more smiles.
Stay well, my friend. 💓💓
The bright side. We must look for it. ❤ xx
Your post makes me realize Christmas is really around the corner…had almost forgotten with the pandemic situation…lovely read 😊😊
It’s hard to believe, isn’t it? That’s why I went back to this story I had written about last year’s holiday and thought it would be fun to share for some much needed smiles. I’m so happy you enjoyed and thank you for your lovely comment. 💕
Lovely memories Lauren. There is nothing better than our daughters arriving for a visit and like you I always feel like Ive blinked and its at an end and we are hugging goodbye again. This Christmas is certainly going to be different but lovely to read your last years memories.
Thanks so much for your lovely comment, Alison. We’ll just have to make the best of it this holiday season and lean on the tools we have: Facetime! 🙂 xo
Yes thats a life saver for sure😊