Even though in recent years I’ve simplified my Christmas giving, this year I find Christmas approaching at a pace I’m unable to match. At my present rate of speed, I might just be ready by Valentine’s Day.
When I downsized and moved, I did get rid of much Christmas memorabilia; still there was the small, permanently lit table tree to unpack, the few Annalee dolls and candles and the big Santa that formerly stood by the fireplace. I also bought some red poinsettia plants, and I do enjoy the holiday feeling the apartment now has.
But as yet, I haven’t been to a department store, shopping mall or mailed out one Christmas card. Who were that strange breed of folks who rushed out after Thanksgiving dinner to buy some electronic device on sale? I don’t know of anyone who did that!
I’ve received so many store coupons in the mail, I could wallpaper an entire room with them. No sooner did “Black Friday” expire, than “Friends and Family” arrived, followed by “Early Bird Specials,” close on the heels of “Blowout Sales,” which if you missed, you could still get to “Senior Day Monday.”
I could almost feel guilty for not heeding any of these urgent calls to buy, buy, buy, except that personally I feel saddened by the tendency to turn Christmas into a shopping orgy rather than a holiday with deep spiritual roots meant to gladden everyone’s heart. Where I have spent time so far, is in seeing and being with business associates and friends at various gatherings and events.
Special holiday lunches and dinners give us a chance to renew acquaintances as well as review accomplishments of the past year. My work and the many organizations to which I belong are dedicated to informing or helping seniors, and the chance to review those efforts and make plans for new ones is very rewarding.
There are so many wonderful plays, concerts, exhibits and other activities in the New Haven area and on the Shoreline that we all can enjoy if we can simplify some of the unnecessary obligations we have come to accept as part of Christmas. Although I enjoy fanciful and creative gift wrapping, this year, I am saving time by using simple gift bags for most presents. Topped with colorful tissue paper, they look pretty, are easy for me and for the recipient.
In addition to giving gift cards to restaurants or the theater, I like to shop locally; church bazaars and the Guilford Art Center always have unique and useful gifts. Even with all the above-mentioned shortcuts, I know I will run out of time so apologies in advance, if I don’t respond to your email or letter until well after the holidays.
Also know, dear reader, that I wish you joyful, stress-free days in happy anticipation of the holiday time to come. Meanwhile, Santa dear, could you slow down the reindeer, just a little bit ... Please?
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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