Happy New Year!!! It is crazy how fast this year has gone. Yes Christmas. After Christmas…then what? Well the beauty of Christmas, hopefully, is that it left a filled tummy, maybe a little overflow around the belt area, and a gentle reminder of wonder and awe. Otherness….thinking of those we love, our neighbours, and those who are in need of our prayers. Yes. It is today that we have the gift of life before us, to be lived and enjoyed on this first leg of the new year of 2023. Woohoo.
Although waking up this morning, which would be January 1st, the ground is green and not a sun peek in the sky. Yes here on the island, its the green green grass of home playing in the background and laying literally before me as I stand out on the deck watching Maggie May do her thing. She likes the winter for some reason in sharing her morning constitution with….find a patch to sit a squat. But not today, puppy.
It is mild out and full blown overcast of greyish dark clouds. Gives off an eerie feeling, gloomy even for a first day of the year!! I think a balmy 5’C right now and heading for a spell of rain today. RAIN! Seriously. Oops got to get into the spirit of things and celebrate this new first day of 2023.
After Christmas….then what? New Year Resolutions. Hmmmm. I am thinking there is no point in doing that because the promise seems to dwindle like a song and dance entitled ebb and flow. Kind of like the movement of the tide here on the island. Comes in strong and swift, do whatever for a bit, then slowly goes out, leaving a wake of little evidence of the resolution worked on. LOL. Oh what to do what to do? Maybe it is time to reverse the process or better yet, give it a new name such as New Year ‘s Give One Take One. I do this and then I get that. Sounds like a plan.
I mean one can look at the fresh start of the new year with fun and sport in mind. It could be anything really. Fun?? Well, puddle jumping in your wellington’s or waders. Yes this January ’23 year, the weather has been unbelievable here in southern Ontario and on the island of PEI. Green is the order of the day. And rain!! But make sure that the mukluks and mittens are your nearby bin. You could get whip lash trying to figure out what going to take place. I feel for the winter resorts and sports out there. Golf anyone??
After Christmas. I have the memories of Christmas -pre during and post – to stay with me which cannot be taken for granted or forgotten. Lovely. Yes Christmas came wonderfully in. The most interesting part is that I celebrated Christmas Day by myself, on my own, for the first time in my life actually. Intentionally. I am still hesitant to attend Mass so watching Mass for Shut-Ins on TV was actually quite nice for me. I enjoyed the homily by the priest with a Maritime twang and savour the hopeful message shared. Not appropriate I know, but I can revisit it too as it was taped. I think God would be okay with technology allowing that to happen. Yes?
And of course I had my pop tart(s). Let’s not kid ourselves. A tradition since I was a child, pop tarts are deliciously awfully not good for you but still I like them. Although cherry is my favourite flavour, they are not made in Canada. So I had to suffer with blueberry and raspberry. Yes I indulged. Thank you Kellogg’s.
I made a full turkey meal with stuffing and cranberry to boot. I enjoy the whole preparation of making the turkey dinner and the colour A bit of gravy, roasted veggies (carrots, squash, onions), stuffing, cauliflower mashed and yorkshire pudding (no fresh rolls). I realize Yorkshires is an English tradition with roast beef entree but oh well….not at my table. Instead of being at the dining table, I sat curled up on my couch enjoying a Christmas movie and eating. Of course Maggie Mae was nearby. She sits patiently, waiting for anything to spill. Maggie, you need to know I do not spill my food or toss it….unlike my grandkids or certain kids who do not care for something. Yep, I know who you are.
After Christmas….then what. Well unfortunately and fortunately, it is all in how you look at things. For one thing, I had to pack and ready my place for leaving once again. It is a catch-22 feeling. The truth of the matter is that you want to be with your family and friends, be in two places at once. Or even three. Yes, technology is wonderful and welcomed, but nothing like the big hug and squeeze from a human. The chortle and chuckle, the tear and smile, the touch and sense of home in those you are with. Leaving those I love and head to those I love, how can it get much better? It can’t be compared.
Time goes by so fast. I mean I just got home and then in the next breath, I am heading back over the bridge in the wee hours of the morning for the long drive back to Ontario. Chockfull of goodness in my head and heart but not in my truck. Left the goodies and waist increasers; need to curb the verb of eat. LOL. I guess I can be grateful that the ticket price to get off the island has not gone up. Bargain price of $50.25. I hope it stays there for a little while. Thank goodness toll on the Quebec 30 is $3.00 to bypass Montreal which by the way has not changed. But 407, now that is a lottery shoot. Have no idea but with tired eyes in the last few hours of my drive, no traffic at all until merging on to 400 N….aahh the life.
After Christmas….then what? Unwrapping the Christmas spirit and allowing it to fill my heart and mind to burst far and wide. The paradoxes of the season can be put to rest for a bit as the pressure – the joy, the rush – the silence, the wrapping – the unwrapping, the visits – the praying, the gathering – the so longs, the giving – the receiving, the eating – the relaxing, the excitement – the nap, the preparation -the cleaning, the Mass and the go forth. The spirit of the season is an invitation to be continued, working its way to be present tirelessly and endlessly within which BTW….thanks be to God.
Just remember to keep the spirit alive and less on the belt buckle moving another couple of spaces, or the tucked away dessert tray your sister left behind, or the comment about a gift you gave. Oops and please do not look at the final total of Christmas on VISA or MC. Probably it is best not to say the true spirit of Christmas is the birth of Santa. I heard that one and laughed a loud. But holy moly crackers and cheese it is probably not that far fetched. Goodness. I am thinking Santa has got it right….he only comes once a year. Sheesh. But for me thank the Lord, He is with us always. Blessings.
Let us pray for those whom are in need of prayers. Hold them in your hearts today. Amen.
Karenpondering 