Christmas and the basement

(This year very much synonymous)

Back in early November, I floated to the family that we should not be getting together at Christmas and we could celebrate here in July – Christmas in July. I promised I would put up the lights and decorate the outside as if it was Christmas – I’d even put blow-up Olaf (my favourite) on the front lawn. We’d make Christmas diner, enjoy each other’s company, and start some new traditions (maybe a midnight howl at the moon?).

It was a suggestion and to my surprise looks like most are into it.

I assume that these types of discussions were / are happening all over the world as we all try to figure out how to stay safe.

I’ve been practicing in the basement and on my deck (summer reprise) since March. And this blog which I started a year ago has been written 75% in the time of a pandemic. This has had an overwhelming influence on what I have blogged about. Most of the stories are generated from being alone with my thoughts in the basement. They come to me as I practice which is not at all what it used to be like – way too much thought.

However you got a go with what you got. And because of all that has happened this year, I’ve become more aware of what’s really important. For me I’ve learned a lot about myself, what and whom I miss, some of which has been surprising.

If you are a reader of this blog you know that I’m not a religious person. Christmas represents to me an opportunity to get together with loved ones. This year we will be zooming our get together and when we are able to be physically together; it will be awesome, of that I am sure. I’m very much looking forward to it. Actually I think I’ll be hugging the bjesus out of every person I see.

So…

“if you can’t be with the one you love, love the one your with”*

And if you are alone this holiday season, love yourself.

Embrace what you have.

Please be safe, not much further to go.

• Written by Steven Stills. I removed one word “honey” and took this line out of context. It’s a pretty good thought for this coming holiday season.