COUNTDOWN TO NEW YEAR'S....It's New Year's Eve

 Today is the last day of 2017; tomorrow a new year begins. 

A new year brings with it a fresh beginning for many.  A blank page to write your story; a fresh canvas to paint your picture.  How you fill that page or paint that canvas is up to you. It's your chance for a clean slate in your life. 

In the past few days I have talked about resolutions for the new year or as I like to say goals, good intentions or objectives for the coming year.  Whatever you call them is your choice.  They all have the same outcome; either accomplished by year end or fall short.  

I think of the last day of the year like the last quarter of a football game.  The game ends.  Win or lose, if it was a lost, you can not replay that game; and you can not re-do the year.  You just look ahead to the next year as you would a game.  

Do you have plans to celebrate the end if 2017 and start of 2018?  How will you ring out the old and ring in the new?  Or do you just treat us like any other day?

My husband and I plan to attend what I call an 'early bird' New Year party; or as my husband calls it the 'old fogie' party. It is geared for those like me.  An afternoon event ending at 6:00 p.m.  I don't enjoy being out as in years gone by.  One never knows who is out celebrating and driving.  Best to stay at home and off the roads; have a nice meal and watch television 📺 or read a good book 📚.  

Whatever you do, I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.  

Tomorrow my good intentions for the year will begin. I have my new journal sitting on my desk, a pen nearby and I am raring to go.  

Day 4....Countdown to New Year's

   One day left in 2017; two days till 2018 arrives.

As I reflect about the year past and goals I set for myself, I think about those I accomplished and  those I did not.  I realize that not keeping or accomplishing certain goals was the fault of no one but me. 

I can't go and blame having to take care of other things or not having the time; as I could have taken the time or put other non-important things on hold for a while. 

Two  of my goals I had, as I mentioned yesterday for 2017 was to:

   a.  Write daily in my journal

    b.  Blog once a week

I had yet another that I wanted to do as well.  As I also said in a prior blog I'd tell you about my non-completed intentions for the year. 

I made myself a promise on January 1, 2017 that I would take and make time to concentrate on my writing. I had an intention to complete my book of 'flash fiction' stories but I did not even open that document on my computer or write anything new this year.  (Well at least I did not write any flash fiction. I did write a poem a day during poetry month in April.) Again WHY? WHY did I not concentrate on my writing?  

Since 2014, I have not kept any of the goals I mentioned prior. 

There are those of us, and I am one of them, that get so wrapped in with a cause, project and/or our daily life that we don't make or take time for ourself. I took on projects, became too involved in other things that I forgot about what the goals I mapped out. This coming year my objective is to keep goals I set. It won't be easy at times but I am determined to do so.  

Yes on January the first many will resolve to loose weight, eat better, work out more etc...goals that can be hard to keep at times. (The only one that requires the time to be set aside is the work out.) When we make goals to spend more time on our hobby, spend more time with family or more time for ourself we need to SET ASIDE that time to do so.  

Until tomorrow....enjoy the day as today is New Year's Eve Eve.  On New Year's Eve do you celebrate the end of the current year or the arrival of the new?

DAY THREE....Countdown to New Year's

This year ends in two days; a new year begins in three. 

Yesterday I wrote about making a list of your resolutions for 2018. I mention you should write on the list your 2017 resolutions and if not all accomplished put them down for 2018. 

I have done so.  My list is complete; one side lists 2017, the other 2018.  One thing I am not good at is trying to keep one goal every year; it keeps ending up in the list for the coming year. Every year I make one goal that falls by the wayside.  I begin the year with doing so but then by week three or four it appears I just get waylaid by something.  I never go back to fixing the problem or begin again. 

What is this goal you ask? Well it's this; as one who writes, I make a goal each year to keep a journal. I plan that each day I will write something in the journal even if it is a line or two, BUT as I mentioned I never follow through. 

 

You may not think this is a lofty goal to keep, but for me it is. Unfortunately these journals end up in a drawer then storage box by May. 

As I reviewed the 2017 list, I moved 'write in journal everyday' to my 2018 list. This time I made a note under the goal:

     IF MISSING A DAY...DO NOT GIVE UP.  BEGIN AGAIN. WRITE DOWN THE DATES MISSED; NOTE ON THOSE DATES THAT I FORGOT OR DID NOT FIND TIME. 

I never thought of that before for some reason.  Like many I just said to myself "well this good intention is gone astray".  

The funny thing is that the journal does not have to be a diary of my life; it could be a reflection; an idea; list of what I want to do; feelings I have on certain issue, idea or phrase I may use in a story or poem, etc...anything, you get the drift. 

So here I am telling you one of my goals for 2018.  

Another I let go astray was to write more posts for my blog. I let that one go off the track.  I planned to post weekly in 2017, but somehow I did not.  Why? No reason except I let things/stuff get in the way; not allowing myself time to do what I wanted to do.  Ah, but this too is a goal I now put on the 2018 side of the list. 

   BLOG WEEKLY.  MAKE and/or    

        TAKE TIME TO DO SO. NO 

              EXCUSES!

So as you go through the day, take a moment to think about the list of goals you wrote down yesterday (if you did); if not take a few moments today to do it. 

Until next time....do you have plans to celebrate the ending of the old year and beginning of the new?  

Day Two....Countdown to New Years

Three days till the end of 2017; four days till 2018 begins. 

Yesterday I asked you to think about those resolutions you made on January first.  

Today start thinking about what you want to accomplish in 2018.  

One thing I like to do is making lists of my goals. 

You should make a list for yourself. Write down what you wanted to accomplish for 2017 then write down your resolutions for 2018.  Perhaps your 2017 resolutions were all not accomplished.  If you really wanted to do them, and did not, why not make them your goals for 2018.  If you did keep all those resolutions then just write down your 2018 ones.  Put the list aside for an hour or more; go back to review it. 

Are these realistic goals you can accomplish? Do you have more than four or five?

If you answered yes to the last question you need to look 👀 long and hard at your list. Review your resolutions; pick two or three for the new year. Keep this list; do not discard it. 

I found through my own mistakes I wrote too many on my list and tried to do all at once.  I also found picking two or three worked well for me. 

After a month or so into 2018 review the list. Are you keeping all your 2018 goals?  If you find you may have slacked off, begin again. If you have kept the goals, then maybe you could try to work on one of the others. 

One thing you don't want to do is get too overwhelmed or burden by trying to keep resolutions.  As I said before, if you are falling short don't give up; keep trying. 

Until next time....enjoy these last few 2017 days. As for me I am working on my list which I find a few on the 2018 side I did not accomplish in 2017.  

Day One....Countdown to New Year's

Over the next few days I plan to write about the end of one year and start of a new.  The posts may be short; some may give suggestions for keeping resolutions for the coming year and some just may be reflections of my own year past. 

Four days till this year comes to an end and five days until a new year begins.

Many will spend New Year's Eve reflecting on the old year.  Some will think about resolutions made the first of the year; wondering if they followed through or if they fell by the wayside.  As many ponder 🤔 this, others will begin to make resolutions for the coming year.  

I am not sure if the last day of the year is best to wonder about those goals made on the first of the year.  Perhaps you should begin to reflect a few days before New Year's Eve.  Why not begin today.  Take a moment to think back to those resolutions you made; goals you set for yourself or intentions you wanted to keep. 

Were they all kept; were they partially kept or forgotten in the first few weeks of the new year?

Take to day to think about this. If you kept all the resolutions made then a big CONGRATULATIONS for doing so.  If you kept a few you made kudos; and if you tried, really tried, but fell short you should be proud of yourself for at least making the effort. 

I will mention this again in future blogs BUT I do not make resolutions. I personally feel a resolution is something you resolve to accomplish.  Instead I make good intentions for myself. A good intention is what I intend to try to keep and if not I will not feel bad about falling short.  Also I try to make goals and again if I fall short of the goal, I tried. 

I am sure many of you are thinking resolutions, good intentions and goals are the same thing.  They probably are but I like  making a good intention list instead of a resolution list.  

I will tell you I fell short of my good intentions and goals for this year.  I tried and that is all any of us can do.  

Think about your own new year's resolutions you made for 2017 today and see where you feel short. But remember you at least tried and that's always a good thing. 

DAY 26...'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER'

Day 26....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER'

I hope everyone enjoyed my twenty-five days of spreading cheer.  I sure enjoyed doing the acts of kindness each day. 

Yesterday, since we are alone in Florida with our family living up North, we celebrated a Christmas dinner at the local Amvets veteran's club where we are members.  It was wonderful to spend time with others who are alone for the holiday.  Of course we did have food at home for a meal, but it just felt right to be with a large group of others who at times are like family during the holidays. There was enough food and as always many desserts. 

One tradition my husband and I have is to always have a box of some chocolates at home. We now take the chocolates to where we will be for Christmas.  Christmas without a box of chocolates is just not the same to me. At least I know they will be welcomed by someone.  

Even though the twenty-five days of spreading cheer has concluded, perhaps every now and then you can do an act of kindness or cheer.  Holidays are not the only time we should think of others.  There maybe someone you know who could benefit from your actions during the year.    

I will be blogging still, perhaps not daily, but keep watching for something new from me. It could be an installment story, new poem or words of wisdom. 

So have until next time....thank you for reading 'Ramblings'.  

DAY 25....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER'

Day 25....'Spreading Holiday Cheer'

Day 25....Have yourself a Merry Christmas. Remember those who have to work today. Say a prayer for our deployed troops that next Christmas they are home with their families. 

Today is Christmas.  The Birthday of Jesus; the reason for the season. 

As you enjoy this day with love ones, friends or acquaintances remember there may be someone who is alone today. If you know if someone it's not to late to call them (if local) to extend an invitation to dinner.   

Take a moment to think of those who are working today and are not with their families; first responders, police, firefighters, EMS, doctors, nurses and those in health care just too name a few.  

Take a moment to pray for our troops who are deployed and all those serving our country.  

Yesterday I made sure I wished all a Merry Christmas. 

Believe it or not I still leave out something for Santa. This year I put it all in a baggie so he could grab the cookies for the road; along with a bottle of water.  Yes I left celery sticks and mini-carrots for the reindeer.  No matter how old you are you need to BELIEVE.  

I always have a small cake to homie the birth of Jesus. I sing "Happy Birthday" then have a small slice of the cake. 

This is one of my personal traditions.  Actually all I mentioned are my traditions. 

Until tomorrow....Have a very Merriest of Christmases.  

DAY 24..'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER'

Day 24....'Spreading Holiday Cheer'

Day 24....Wish everyone you see a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. 

          FOR YOU

Day 24....Hang your stocking; listen to some Christmas music or watch the Hawaii Bowl football 🏈 game.  Don't forget to leave out some milk and cookies for Santa. 

It's Christmas Eve.  Today if you are like me you just might be out doing a last minute errand. There's always something I forget that I need and have to make a quick run out to the store. Wish all you see a Merry Christmas.  

In the evening relax and watch the Hawaii Bowl game. In stories I wrote for years about Christmas Eve and waiting for Santa, I always wrote that he stopped to take a break at my house.   He'd have a snack and watch this Bowl game with me for awhile. 

Don't forget to hang your stocking.  Make sure you leave Santa cookies and a beverage either milk, bottle of water or orange juice.  Did you know that though Santa enjoys his milk, he needs water to stay hydrated. So maybe it'd be you that leaves him some water. Leave him a snack bag for the road too. After all it's a busy night.  

Yesterday I enjoyed a relaxing pre-holiday meal.  I tipped the server generously.  I was out celebrating Festivus and decided to forgo the traditional meal which is either spaghetti or meatloaf (researched this).  It was fun to do and as my husband told people I am a bit on the crazy side. He told them he just humors me.  

As for Festivus, well I decorated a pole outside on my carport; donated to the Human Fund then did the airing of grievances. 

I wished all I saw a Festivus and even made a card I gave to an acquaintance.  They had no clue on the subject. I sent another two friends a Happy Festivus greeting by text.  Told them I donated to the Human Fund in their name. 

Okay here's what I did for Human Fund, I donated a few dollars to my personal Forty and Eight project for the year which is Child Welfare. This is legit program in the organization; but my two friends will never know where the true donation had gone. 

 Kiddingly I did tell others I saw I made a donation in their name to the Human Fund which got a chuckle from a few. 

Enjoy the day. Remember Santa Claus comes tonight.  

Day 23....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER Part VI the conclusion "A Hand Me Down Christmas"

Day 23....'Spreading Holiday Cheer'

Day 23....Leave an extra nice tip for your server.  

                FOR YOU

Day 23.......Go out for a nice pre-holiday meal.  

Before I begin about today's idea did you know the day is Festivus. If you watched the old show "Seinfeld" you'd know about this. If you don't know what Festivus is, do a Google search. 

I plan to do a few of the Festivus things listed. Should be fun. 

******************************

Here's a little FESTIVUS greeting for you all. 

It's time to decorate the pole

And time for the feats of strength 

Let's all air our grievances 

Those we love and hate

Festivus is here at last 

Donate to the Human Fund

It's the holiday for the rest of us

So have a happy, everyone 

*******************************

For Day 23 of spreading cheer 

ask a family member, friend or acquaintance to accompany you to a nice holiday meal. You need to take the last few days before Christmas to treat yourself. While having the meal, leave the server a generous tip to help make their day. 

Don't forget to watch the Military Bowl football 🏈 game.  Go Army. 

I am not a baker so yesterday I purchased a cute holiday plate and some baked goods. I gave them to my auto mechanic.   They were appreciated as it was their dessert.  Not only did they get some baked goods but a cute plate. 

I sat back last evening, poured a glass of milk and had a few cookies.  I found o movie to watch also. 

Part VI and conclusion of "A Hand Me Down Christmas" follows.

        

           

Part VI Conclusion of 

"A Hand Me Down Christmas"

Christmas Day arrived or I should say later in the day since I went to bed on Christmas after midnight Mass.  

We had breakfast (I had oatmeal).  Us three kids cleaned up the kitchen while grandma began to prepare our Christmas dinner.  

The family finally made their way into the living room to open gifts. 

This too had to be done in a certain manner. All gifts given out.  No one was allowed to open their gifts till they were all distributed.  The gifts from each of us kids to one another were to be opened last.  We would hand each other the gift. 

Dad liked his tie and tie tac from me. From his biological children the gifts were quite different. It seemed they did not spend much on him. Di gave him dressy white handkerchiefs (not even initialed); JJ gave him a pair of socks. 

Mom said she thought the brooch and scarf I gave her beautiful. Di and JJ spared no expense on her either it seemed to me. Di got her some ladies hankies; JJ got her a babushka. 

Step-grandfather thanked me for his hankies. It seemed he received the same from the other two. Well at least he had enough hankies for awhile. 

Grandma opened my gift; picked it up and looked at it.  She put it down and finally said thank you. 

She then opened the gift from Di. Di spared no expense in using most of her money to purchase a new hat for her grandmother. JJ followed suit in sparing no expense as he used most of his money on a new purse for her. 

I guess Grandma was more important than dad or anyone else. 

Next Di was to open the gift from JJ then me. He bought his sister a girl's purse; she said loved it. She opened my Pop It Beads and thanked me. She opened the bag of white beads and began to snap them together for a necklace 

JJ liked the cars that Di bought him. He politely thanked me for my gift of military vehicles. 

My turn to open their gifts. JJ handed me his gift. I opened the package and pulled the tissue paper back on the box. I could not believe my eyes. In the box were two sets of paper dolls; their clothes already cut out. These dolls were ones that looked like ones I had seen Di play with during the summer. Of course they looked like hers; THEY WERE HERS.  She no longer wanted them so she gave them to JJ to give as my Christmas gift. 

I just stared at them. I noticed both mom and dad's shocked expressions.  Grandma cleared her throat then said to me

"Well thank JJ for his nice gift".  

I could barely whisper the words. 

Next I was to open Di's gift. The box was large and I wondered what was inside. Again a look of surprise came across my face. Inside were Di's old ice skates that she tried to clean up by polishing them; under the skates was her old red heavy pull over sweater. Both mom and dad had shocking expressions again. 

Again grandma said

"Thank Di for her gift".  As with JJ I could barely whisper the words. 

I put the tops back on both boxes and pushed the gifts under the tree; way in the back so I could not see them. 

I realized then I meant nothing to my step-siblings. I felt like Cinderella.  It was truly a hand me down Christmas. 

This was the year I lost all spirit of the holidays. I guess receiving someone's discarded items as a gift can do that to a seven year old. 

Did I ever play with the paper dolls? NO.  I put them in my toy chest way at the bottom. 

As for the skates well my boy cousins told me how to get around not to use them. I put on two thick pairs of socks; put on the skates and complained they were too small for me.  I said the sweater made me itch so I could not wear it. 

As years went on, I did not give much thought when it came to Di and JJ where gifts were concerned.  Their gifts which they were told by dad they had to buy from then on were always something I never used or wore. 

I hope you enjoyed this story from my childhood. 

There is a moral I'd say and that is it's the thought that counts not what is given; but they really never thought of me. So I'd say the moral is it's best to give than receive. 

Day 22...'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER' Part V "A Hand Me Down Christmas"

Day 22...'Spreading Holiday Cheer'

Day 22....Take some cookies or bake goods to a neighbor, friend, acquaintance or anyone you desire. 

             FOR YOU

Day 22.....Pour a glass of milk and enjoy a few Christmas cookies. 

Yesterday my poinsettia and Christmas cactus delivery made a big hit as there was a deserving individual who needed a cheering up. 

I kept a small poinsettia for my house.  It brightened my day. 

Part V of "A Hand Me Down Christmas" follows.

        

           Part V

"A Hand Me Down Christmas"

The week's heading up to Christmas at school was exciting. We practiced each day for the holiday school assembly. My class was going to sing "Oh Christmas Tree".  We would be seated on the stage in what would be rows that would shape a tree. The shortest kids would sit on chairs in front then next tallest behind and so on. The tallest kid in class would be standing on a stool holding a star. All of us in class would be wearing ornaments and a few of us girls would have angel wings pinned on us. I was going to be one of the angels.  A few classmates would have silver garland around their necks. 

The last day of school before the Christmas break we'd have our class Christmas party. Santa would make a visit our teacher told us. On that day each student would give teacher her Christmas gift. 

Di, JJ and I still tolerated each other.  They avoided me when possible and I them.  I kept to myself and would color in my coloring book.  I dreaded having to spend days upon days during Christmas break with them. I hoped by some miracle I would not have to see them Day in and day out during the break. Well a miracle come through. I went to spend a few days with my uncle, aunt and cousins (who I had lived with during first grade); but that was after Christmas.  

Christmas Eve arrived with fanfare as there was a traditional meal grandma made. (She was from Eastern Europe and made many ethnic type foods.)  This being my first Christmas with my new family I had no idea what to expect. Di and JJ gave me a quick run down. It would be the same meal they always had on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. At first I thought they were lying but soon learned the truth. 

Here's what will happen according to them. 

After supper we'd take a short nap since we were going to Midnight Mass. After Mass we'd come home, hang up a stocking then go to bed. The following morning we'd have breakfast after getting dressed for the day then open our gifts. We were not allowed to go into the living room until after breakfast and we do the dishes. 

I listened their instructions as I thought of it as. 

Time for Christmas Eve Activities.

Christmas Eve meal consisted of foods I never ate before.  Before we began the meal everyone was given a quarter piece of white bread spread with honey.  A

piece of garlic on top was placed on top of the bread. We all had to eat it first. I asked about this and was told it's a tradition but never told the reason behind it. After eating this piece of bread (yuck on liking garlic at age seven), the meal began (after a prayer).  

This meal consisted of a soup made with sauerkraut, rice and Polish sausage; the meal also included pierogis, a dish made with homemade egg noodles fried in brown sugar and finely crushed walnuts; some type of a dumplings dish with poppyseed on them (it looked like ants to me) and a few other items. After supper a bowl with fruit placed on the table (it included oranges, tangerines, grapes, pears, a ring of figs and some dates); a wooden bowl of shelled mixed nuts (I only enjoyed the almonds and walnuts); and then the cookies, walnut roll and other goodies baked by grandmother. My dad and grandpa enjoyed some chestnuts (another yuck).  A small tier candy dish also was placed on the table with Fannie Mae chocolates.  I took a few of the cutout cookies. I never can resist a bell or tree shaped cookie. Di enjoyed the oatmeal cookies with either a red or green maraschino cherry in the middle JJ ate chocolate chip.  We each were permitted to have ONE piece of the Fannie Mae candy. 

Supper finally over, we sat in the living room till nine o'clock when we were to go take a nap till eleven. At eleven we got up; dressed quickly and walked to midnight Mass.  Four of us attended; dad, Di, JJ and I. I almost fell asleep. It seemed like it never would end. 

Mass finally ended and we strolled home enjoying all the decorated houses in the three block walk. On Christmas Eve we kept the outside lights and tree lights on all night.  The lights were shut off in the morning; only the tree remained lit all through the day. 

Di, JJ and I hung our stocking in a designated area in the foyer. I could not wait to crawl into bed. 

Stay tuned for Part VI and the conclusion. 

Day 21....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER ' Part IV "A Hand Me Down Christmas"

Day 21...'Spreading Holiday Cheer'

Day 21.....Drop off a few poinsettias or holiday bouquet to a local nursing facility. As the administrator to give them to someone who needs cheering up. 

                        FOR YOU

Day 21....Buy a poinsettia for yourself. 

Patients in nursing care facilities maybe forgotten by family during the holidays; or there might not be family members.  It would be nice to take a few holiday type plants or a bouquet to a facility for a forgotten individual. You, of course, need to check with the administrative officials to make sure it's permissible to bring in the floral items. Just think of the joy you could bring to someone. 

Poinsettias are a nice touch to the house during this time of year. If you have an animal I suggest perhaps another type of holiday plant or silk flowers.  I always enjoy a red poinsettia but white has a nice touch also. Over the years I have purchased both. 

I dropped off snacks to a local veteran's club. The patrons greatly appreciated the gesture. It was an afternoon party for many. 

I looked through my liquor cabinet and found I could make a festive drink.  Both hubby and I enjoyed this holiday beverage. It came as a way to relax after an Day of doing errands. 

Until tomorrow....Part IV of 

"A Hand Me Down Christmas" follows.

         Part IV

"A Hand Me Down Christmas"

It was the Saturday afternoon before Christmas that we went shopping. 

My mom told me not to worry about a gift for my teacher as she would pick up something for her. 

We arrived at the Five and Dime. Mom and dad told us we were on our own to shop and look around but if we needed help they'd be nearby. 

I followed my mom to where she was headed. I notice her looking at a brooch that I thought was pretty near the jewelry area. She put down the first one then picked up a different to purchase. Noticing me, she told me it was part of the gift for my teacher and that she also planned to get her a scarf to wear around her neck. After she walked away I picked up the brooch she had first looked at; noticed the price and knew I had enough money to buy it. I then found a neck scarf and picked that up also. I thought if my mom liked that as a gift for teacher she would like it for herself. 

Next I walked down the woman's section and found a pretty apron for grandma. She wore an apron all the time and decided that this apron would make a good gift choice. I added the amounts in my head to try to keep a running total.  (We were learning adding sums in your head in school so I thought this good practice.) 

 My next stop was the men's section where I found a blue tie with a tie tac for dad; and a box of white dress handkerchiefs for grandpa. I got the set that had the first initial of his name on them.

 I was uncertain what to get Di and JJ. So I began looking through the store. 

 I walked back towards the ladies section and saw something Di would like or so I hoped. I found bags of Pop it Beads or also known as Snap Beads  (If you want to know what they are Google them). I got her a bag of the white and a bag of the pink. I knew she would enjoy putting them together for different color necklaces and bracelets. 

I was well under my thirty dollars. 

I only had JJ left on my list. Knowing how he enjoyed playing with his toy soldiers I found what I thought would be a nice gift in the toy section. There I saw a package with a tank, jeep and another military vehicle. They were small in size and would work with the toy soldiers. 

My shopping complete I went to the check out counter. Mom stood by (but not close enough to see my purchases). She told me her concern was making sure that I had enough money for the gifts, which I did. I felt so grown up as I handed my money over to the register clerk. My running total in my head was off slightly (probably because of sales tax).  

The next step would be going home to wrap the gifts without the eyes of JJ and Di watching me. 

Stay tuned for the Part V.  

Day 20...'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER' Part III "A Hand Me Down Christmas"

Day 20....'Spreading Holiday Cheer'

Day 20....Take some snacks to a local veteran's club for the members. They can have an impromptu afternoon party. 

                   FOR YOU

Day 20....Have a special holiday  beverage after a long busy day.

Veterans clubs always have patrons in the afternoons. Sometimes they get together just to be out and about. Those who frequent these clubs would enjoy having someone bring in some goodies as a surprise. It can be cookies, maybe some pretzels and chips, a pizza or two; anything to let them know you are thinking of them. 

As you unwind make a holiday drink for yourself. You can find holiday drink recipes with or without alcohol on the web.  Whatever you have enjoy. 

Unfortunately there was no animal shelter within ten miles of where I live.  I am fortunate as I know a someone who collects for a shelter.  I was able to give them a few large packages of paper towels and some dog treats.   

I decided to read a holiday themed book.  It was a cute story about a little boy who asked God for his Christmas wish instead of Santa.  All he wanted was father because his had died three years prior.  There were moments of tears for me as I pictured this child asking God to grant his Christmas wish. There were moments of laughter surrounding circumstance in the story. All in all a cute story that reminded me of a Hallmark movie. 

Part III of "A Hand Me Down Christmas" follows.   

                     Part III

"A Hand Me Down Christmas"

JJ and Di explained the extra little jobs for Christmas was a way to earn extra spending money.  They told me they are given a certain amount of money that had been out aside for them so that they could purchase Christmas gifts for everyone in the household. JJ let me know in no uncertain terms they now had to buy something for my mom and me. Of course Di with her sickening sweet voice said I had to buy them something too.  

Everyday when I got home from school for the week and a half before Christmas the house had a nice scent of vanilla and other baking spices. My step- grandmother was an awesome baker. She baked two or more items everyday.  It would be some type of cookies, walnut or poppyseed roll, strudel or some other holiday sweet.  I never seen any of the things and had no idea where they were put; I thought possibly in the basement refrigerator to keep fresh until they made their appearance on Christmas Eve.  

The day arrived for us kids to go shopping for presents for the household. There were seven living in the house so we had six gifts apiece to purchase.  Each of us were given thirty dollars. I never had that much money at one time. I felt like a millionaire.  I found out both my mom and dad had put a few dollars aside beginning in July; this plus the extra money for the holiday chores made it possible for us to have spending cash. 

Buying power of thirty dollars then would be about the equivalent to over two hundred today. (I did quick research).

We were on our way to the Five and Dime to go shopping. I never had done this and I was very excited. I put my money into my purse and thought about all the great gifts I would buy. 

Stay tuned to Part IV

Day 19...'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER' Part II " A Hand Me Down Christmas"

Day 19....'Spreading Holiday Cheer'

Day 19....Take supplies to a local animal shelter. 

             FOR YOU

Day 19....Read a holiday book 📚 or watch another holiday movie. There are quite a few channels no doubt showing them. 

Animal shelters always need supplies.  Many relay on the kindness of others who donate items and funds.   If possible besides food for animals the shelters can use paper towels and cleaning supplies and litter for cats.  Purchase a few items and take them to your local shelter or drop off place. 

Reading a holiday themed book is a good way to relax or just watch another one of those holiday movies. On a personal note I am reading a holiday themed book (yes I finished "A Christmas Carol" already); and other evenings watch a movie based on the season.  It does put me into the spirit of Christmas.  

 

I did a small favor for an individual who seemed overwhelmed at that moment. It was such a small thing for them but they were quite appreciated.  

The lights in my neighbor interesting to see. What I enjoyed most are how some decorate their palm trees with white lights. They look amazing in the dark. One if my favorite set up is a lighted palm tree and underneath is a snowman figurine.  It's amazing how some have to outdo their neighbor when it comes to holiday outside decorations.  Listening to holiday music made it  festive.  

Until tomorrow enjoy your day; only six days till Christmas. 

  Part II of "A Hand Me Down Christmas" follows: 

               Part  II

  "A Hand Me Down Christmas"

The family began to prepare the house for Christmas. Two weeks before the holiday the windows were decorated and lights put on the outside. I can't explain the window decorations; but as I recall they were a string of silver beads and bells that stretched across each window. It took half an afternoon to get them just right. The front windows were decorated; the one side set of windows and the kitchen windows. I had no idea who would see the back windows but they too were decked out. The outside lights were hung around the front porch and front windows only.  They were to be turned on each night at dusk and tuned off by 9:00pm.  Each of us kids were assigned a designated night of the week for 'light duty'.  

One week before Christmas the tree came into the house. My step-father found the biggest, fullest tree. He needed to cut a bit from the top. Furniture in the large living room had been rearranged in order for the tree to be centered between the windows. The nicest part of the tree was showcased in the window. Decorating it reminded me years later of an assembly line. It was an event all planned to the smallest detail (one would think D-Day was being planned).  Well in a way it was D-Day, Decorating Day.  

My step-dad and step-grandmother (from here on out they will be called dad and grandma) did the tree trimming. First went the lights; next the ornaments.  Us kids got the job of handing the ornaments to my mom who then handed them to dad and/or grandma. We were told to make certain there were no cracked or broken ornaments and that each had an ornament hook. Dad and grandma made sure the best looking ornaments were placed on the tree where the world could see. After all the ornaments placed, then came the beads and bells garland that were identical to the window decorations.  Once that job done the tinsel carefully hung; the candy canes followed. By the time the tree was completed you could barely see it's green branches. A star was placed on the top.  The tree lights then turned on so we can all see the handiwork. Bundled in our coats we headed outside to see the tree from the street.  

Now that the tree was up new jobs had been given to us kids.  My job was every night to turn on the outside lights at dusk and turn off at 9:00 pm; JJ had to plug in the tree lights and unplug at 9:00 pm; and Di's job to make sure the tree had water and two aspirin.  

YES, you read that correct; for some reason the tree had to be given aspirin as well as water. I had no idea why I guess it had a headache. 

Other Christmas items were strategically placed around the house. The Nativity scene set on the long table in the foyer.  

The next job we worked on was the sending of Christmas cards. My mom and dad came home from work with a list of company employees to whom would be recipients of the cards. Since both worked for the same company it made the sending easy.  My dad having nice handwriting would sign the cards, my mom addresses the envelope and put on the return address, I put them in the envelope, JJ sealed the envelope and Di put on postage. Again an assembly line job. After the cards completed to co-workers came cards to family members and friends.  My dad only had a sister out of state but also a few distant relations who received cards; mom's family were mostly out of state. Cards were done the Sunday afternoon after the tree completed.  Once the cards all done; they were taken but us kids to the corner mail box. 

Doing these holiday things may seemed like fun family time but NO they were jobs to be done. It was one way to earn extra spending money I learned. 

Stay tuned for Part III.  

Day 18...'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER' Part I "A Hand Me Down Christmas "

Day 18......'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER "

Day 18....Do a chore for a family member or friend or neighbor. 

                  FOR YOU

Day 18....Take a drive in your neighbor too look at the holiday lights. 

We all can get overwhelmed during the holidays. It appears there are times we don't get everything done we want in a day. Think about a family member, friend or even neighbor you needs a little help. It can be as simple as taking their garbage can back from the curb; running a quick errand to the store etc...the list can go on and on.  No doubt this person you help will be more than appreciative.  

You don't need to drive miles out of the way just drive through your own neighborhood to look at the lighted displays. It's always interesting to see who outdone their neighbor in decorating. Some displays are outstanding.  Enjoy a drive look at the lights and listen to holiday music while doing so. 

I enjoyed giving a Santa hat to one individual and a Santa 🎅🏼 head band to another. It was fun doing so.  Unfortunately I could not take a photo left my phone at home. Odd how we depend on our phones for everything these days. 

I put on my green and red Santa hat and a funky holiday shirt. Had a fun day.  Love the odd looks people give me but it's the season.

Until tomorrow have a wonderful day.  

I am sharing a new Christmas story from when I was age seven. This was  the year I began to stop having Christmas spirit. This is called "A Hand Me Down Christmas".  

           Part I 

  "A Hand-Me Down Christmas"

   I grew up in what is know these days as a blended family. I never knew who my bio-father was but I was given his last name. My mother married a man with two children; a girl who was two years my senior and a boy a year my senior. In this story I will call them Di and JJ.  The man my mom married was divorced and he (for some odd reason back in the 1950's) had custody of the children. He lived with his mother and her third husband. When my mother married in June (I was in second grade) going to third in September. My age was seven, which meant I still believed in Santa. After their wedding my mother and I moved into their house. I know had a step-dad, step-siblings, step-grandmother and I'd guess you'd say step-grandfather.  Yes a true blended family. 

My mother worked a full time office job; so my step-grandmother became the person who would raise me. 

My step-siblings did not like me nor me them. For years until I left home we tolerated each other. 

Because they were being raised by their grandmother who ruled with an iron fist they learned to do things that I had not begun to learn such as chores. I was a quick study to learn to properly make my bed; wash and dry dishes; iron; dust; run a sweeper; use a broom; rake leaves, grass and now lawn and my all time hated chore shovel snow. I learned all this from June to December of that year. 

In third grade we were learning to write cursive.  My step-siblings attend the local Catholic school; I attended public. One of my homework assignments during December was to write a letter to Santa using cursive.  There I sat after school doing my homework trying to write this letter. JJ saw what I was doing, grabbed up the letter and told Grandma (yes I had to call her that) I was doing baby stuff. I explained the Santa letter was my homework and she called me a liar; said that it was not homework but baby stuff and that THERE WAS NO Santa.  I needed to grow up and quite bring a baby after all you are seven she yelled to me. I tried to explain again about it being homework and she grab me and shook me saying I was lying.  The letter got thrown into the garbage. I was sent up to my room where I was to stay until my mother came home. She yelled to me that I was nothing but a whore's (YES she used that word to me) lying daughter.  I was no good and would never amount to anything. 

I went up to my room which I shared with my step-sister.  She taunted me about getting yelled at. Grandma is right your are a liar she told me. I ignored her. But one thing I wondered about, what a whore was. It sounded like a bad word and did not like my mother being called that. It seemed like I sat for hours in my room. I took out my coloring book to color. 

My mother arrived home from work and asked what did I do to upset everyone. (Everyone bring grandma and Di and JJ).  Why they were upset there was no reason for them to be. They seemed never to upset their grandmother. In her eyes they were the perfect girl and boy. I told her the story and all she did was sigh. Later that evening she wrote my teacher a letter explaining why I did not have my homework done. My mother feared her mother-in-law and would not go against anything she dished out to me or herself for that matter. 

The next day at school my teacher, having read the note, had me stay in during recess to complete the homework assignment.  Not only did she have me do that but asked if I would not tell the others in class that Santa did not exist. I have no idea what the letter to the teacher said (it was sealed it in an envelope) but sure my mother explained my situation at home. 

Seven years old; the Santa magic disappeared from my life. 

Stay tuned for the next installments. Part II tomorrow. 

DAY 17....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER'

DAY 17...'SPREADING HOLIDAY 

   CHEER'

Day 17.....Purchase a few silly hats or headpieces from a dollar store. Give them out to family members, friends and acquaintances to wear. 

         

           FOR YOU

Day 17... Go out in a silly holiday hat or head piece for the day. Have fun. 

There are cute holiday hats and head wear you can find at a dollar store. I have a few that I have purchased. My favorite are the headbands that have snowman or reindeer antlers.  They go well with different holiday shirts.  Those receiving them can get a chuckle as they put them on to wear.  Take photos if possible of those you give them to; give them copy of the picture. This is a fun act of cheer that will make even the Grinchiest or Scroogiest person smile. 

Put on your silly hat or head piece when you go out for the day.  Wear a Christmas sweater or shirt to go with the hat. Don't pay attention to the looks from people just smile and say Merry Christmas.  

I donated toiletries to a place collecting for homeless.  Also they had box set up for food so I donated a few items also.  What more can I say about donating? Once you do it gives you a feeling of happiness inside that you are doing for others. 

I took the cards I received to date from the basket where they were put. First I looked at the picture on the front; then opened it to read the sender's name.  Finally I read the verse within.  I reflected on the meaning of what the words meant to me; as well as what the sender thought when they choose that card to send me. Did they just pick a card out of a box of cards? Did they read what the words inside?  I am an optimist that the sender picked that particular card just for me. 

So until tomorrow have a grea day enjoy wearing your silly hat. 

I am working on another Christmas memory story. Stay tuned to read in the next few days. I call this "A Hand Me Down Christmas".  

Day 16...'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER '. Part IV "A Betsy Wetsy Christmas"

 

 DAY 16....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER' 

Day 16....Collect items for a homeless shelter.

              FOR YOU 

Day 16....Take time to read those Christmas cards you get. Don't just look at the pretty picture on the front, the name if the sender and glance at the words; but really read the words and reflect on their meaning. 

Clothes, blankets or toiletries are great items to collect. I mostly do toiletries as they can be purchased most anywhere. I will begin picking up extras when I shop for myself usually beginning in September maybe one or two items per week.  By the time December rolls around I have a nice supply to donate. Your help will be greatly appreciated by those in need.  Perhaps you can begin doing for next December in August.  One, two or three items you can give can make a difference.   I use my BOGO deals in this endeavor.  I keep one item then put other aside to donate. 

Like mostly us do we all open the cards we receive, look at the sender' name and picture on the front.  We take them and either tape them around the door, put them on display on a table or put into a container. Mine go into a pretty green basket. What you need to do is read those words inside and reflect on the meaning. Even something as simple as "MERRY CHRISTMAS" or "HAPPY HOLIDAYS" can have meaning. Think about who sent the card. That individual is taking the time to select it, sign it, address the envelope, put on postage and mail to you. They are taking a few moments to think about YOU during this holiday season. 

I am no longer am employed.  I gave an acquaintance the secret Santa gift. I left it in a spot for them to find.  I watched as they looked into the bag and then around their surrounding to figure who was the secret Santa. 

I own a few really funky and some would say ugly tops for the holidays. I put on a sweater with a reindeer on it then put on a reindeer headband. Yes I know it looked bad but I did not care. ''Tis the season.  It was fun to see expressions on faces of people yesterday. 

Until tomorrow, enjoy your day. 

Part IV if "A Wetsy Christmas" follows.  This is the conclusion to the story. 

                  PART IV

"A Betsy Wetsy Christmas"

If you have read Parts I through III, you know what has been going on; if not please read them. 

We arrived at church.  I unwrapped Betsy from her blanket.  I held her sitting up straight on my lap so she could hear and see all.  (I was a kid with an imagination that my doll was real).  Finally it was time for my class to go up in front of the congregation to sing "Away in a Manager".  Like all the other girls who brought their new dolls to church I handed Betsy off to my uncle. I opened my purse, took out the bottle and told him she needed to be fed. As my class and I sang out our little hearts, my uncle put the bottle into Betsy's mouth. True to what she is called she wet her underpants; not only were her undies wet but so was my uncle's new navy blue wool suit. I guess he forgot what would happen when feeding her. I realized years and years later what a great person my uncle had been.  I doubt most men would have just held the doll but not everyone would actually feed the doll when asked.  It was fortunate the suit was only wet from water and no other type liquid. 

I heard my aunts talking about the incident later to my mother and grandmother. My aunt said she could hardly contain her laughter as those around them who witnessed the scene. 

I was told this story when I was ten years old. In a way that Christmas season I felt just a tad more in the spirit.  This is probably one of my favorite childhood stories when I lived with my grandparents. 

It's good to sit back and reflect about past holidays during this time of year. As I do reminisce, I fondly think of my uncle (who is no longer with us) and what a great guy he was. My aunt and he adopted two children years later. They were fortunate to have such a great person for their dad. 

Hope you enjoyed this little story. 

Merriest of Christmases to you all. 

 Keep reading for days 17 through 24 of spreading cheer. 

Day 15....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER '. Part III "A Betsy Wetsy Christmas "

   

DAY 15....'SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER'

Day 15....Give a secret Santa gift to a co-worker or friend.  

                    FOR YOU 

Day 15....Wear an ugly sweater, tee shirt or sweatshirt. After all today is ugly sweater day. 

It's exciting when you find a surprise gift. Everyone likes a surprise.  Secret Santa is a fun way to make the day of a co-worker or friend. You don't need to spend a lot of money on a gift to bring joy to another.  Something from a dollar store or dollar mart will be perfect.  Get an item you know they'd enjoy; put it into a gift bag and print on a note or card "From Santa".  Watch their reaction if you can when they find it.  What is even more fun is their trying to figure out where the gift cane from. You can always tell them after the holiday if they did not guess who was the giver. 

There are all types of holiday tops being sold; sweaters, sweatshirts and tee shirts.  Find one you really like and wear it with pride. If you are creative you can make one yourself. Best part of ugly top is you can accessorize with some funky holiday jewelry.  I once put in a necklace that blinked tiny lights and a loud bell bracelet. Whatever you wear make just have fun. 

I know I will be doing so today. 

Yesterday I purchased a bottle of water for a person collecting donations for charity. They looked like they needed to have a drink to quench their thirst. They gave me a big smile and a thank you. I also gave a donation to them. 

Later in the day I made a cup of tea while listening to Christmas  music. A very relaxing few moments indeed. 

Enjoy being someone's secret Santa.  Here's a nice idea. Pick up a holiday mug and put a packet of hot chocolate inside with a peppermint candy cane. 

Part III of "A Betsy Wetsy Christmas" follows. 

        🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄     

               Part III

"A Betsy Wetsy Christmas"

I could not believe my eyes when I saw the Betsy Wetsy doll.  Dressed in a red dress, she had brown hair with red bow, black shoes and white socks. She wore the white underpants under the dress.  A miniature glass Baby bottle sat next to her as well as a small blanket; a few other pairs of underpants and a different dress. My Aunt Julie took the bottle and filled it with water. I picked up Betsy, hugging her tightly then took the bottle from my aunt. I put Betsy down into the carriage Santa also brought me; put the bottle into Betsy's mouth; the water went inside then out from her bottom. Her underpants were all wet as the inside of the carriage.  She did exactly what she was suppose to do; drink from the bottle and wet her underpants. My grandmother took the wet pair, then handed me one if the spares Santa left.  I was told Betsy had enough to drink. So I put the bottle aside. 

It was time to leave for church. I bundled Betsy in her blanket as I wanted her to go along. No one saw that I took the bottle (it stilled had water inside) and put it into my little purse. Off to church we went, my Aunt Mae, my Aunt Julie, my Uncle Harold, me and Betsy.  I could not wait to show her off to my Sunday school friends; could not wait to sing 🎶 with my class at the church service. 

Keep watching for Part IV and the conclusion of this happiest Christmas.  

Thank you