Cherished Christmas memories twinkle like so many lights on the tree

Even though my small family is no longer able to be together for the holiday, there are a few special rituals that I still embrace which makes the time special for me. I always watch the “Nutcracker” ballet on television, sometimes both the New York City as well as the London production.


I never miss seeing Dickens “A Christmas Carol,” and Alistair Sim is still my favorite Scrooge. I try to get to New York to see “the tree,” which despite the crowds always looks like something out of a storybook; a fanciful, shimmering Christmas symbol, lighting up the night and the colorful skaters on the rink below.


This year, my daughter shared that pleasure with me. Although she only had a few hours on her way to Washington on business, she met me in the city last Monday so we could enjoy the 5th Avenue windows and the Rockefeller Center tree together.


I will make time to spend a quiet afternoon re-reading Truman Capote’s brief and beautiful 27-page “A Christmas Memory,” first published in Mademoiselle magazine when Capote was in his early 30s. This story of young Buddy and his surrogate mother, cousin Sook, preparing for Christmas in a poor, rural, Alabama town, is for me, one of the most meaningful and beautiful Christmas stories ever written.


This year was probably the last of a 20-year custom Val and I enjoyed, the Christmas gathering of all the owners at the Ponds condominium … my former residence in Branford. Mark and Karen Esposito, this year’s hosts, were so thoughtful to invite me to join the group and have a chance to be with and enjoy all my special former neighbors.


I shall also make a call to my longtime Japanese friend Nobu in Yokohama. While Christmas is not a religious holiday in many foreign countries, it has become an almost universal holiday. The Japanese love the glitter and glitz of Christmas, although their traditional big celebration occurs at New Year, and everyone sends good luck New Year’s cards to all their friends. It is also a time to remember and honor all your ancestors as well as pay all your debts before the year’s end.


In England, the day after Christmas, or Boxing Day, is a big holiday. I think the Australians have the right idea; it is their main annual holiday, and so schools are closed for six weeks, and everyone takes a really good vacation.


Wherever you live, in whatever country, if you are among the fortunate who are in good health, love and are loved and are free from hunger and fear, remember to be grateful and to reach out in some small way to those who are not so blessed. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and above all, Peace.


Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 49 Rose St., Apt. 510, Branford, 06405.

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