The Absent Uncle: ‘Tis the season

By: 
D.C. Schultz, Guest Columnist

We had an impromptu Thanksgiving. It turned out very well after a drastic change in plans out of anyone’s control, and the day came together with fellowship, great food, and was a meaningful day – just as it was traditionally intended to be.

But now we move forward into the Christmas season. So many traditions, memories, the hustle, the bustle, and the pressures we put on ourselves to make this Christmas one to remember.

I have written in the past about my early years and Christmas. The opening of the carefully packed boxes from the previous year and the memories of the ornaments, the traditional placements throughout the house, and just the process of following tradition. That is what you do. 

Since we moved from Kansas in November-December of 2018 we have not been able to establish those traditions in our new home. Whether it be the actual move, some planned travel, and more likely some health issues for one of us – our Christmas season just has not had all the trimmings that traditionally were unpacked, displayed, and enjoyed during the holiday times.

We had put out the very important stuff and had some semblance of the season, but not the full blown, get out all the boxes, sort it out, and make the whole house resonate with Christmas. 

But we are in the middle of it now. Stuff all over, boxes and containers stacked out of the way, baskets full of memories, fragile ornaments from years ago waiting to be placed in the perfect spot. 

My wife is a collector. Plain and simple. She has accumulated so much Christmas paraphernalia that I am worn out carrying the boxes and containers in and out of the garage for her unpacking and restoring out of the way. But the joy on her face, the obvious pleasure she gets from touching these treasures, rekindling the memories, and deciding on just where she is going to place them gives me so much pleasure that all I can do is just keep moving the boxes, figure out how to temporarily store these containers, and still keep the car in the garage.

‘Tis the season. Not the real meaning of the season – but I love it.

 

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The Brandon Valley Journal

 

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