This time of year means many things to many people, but for me it's my favorite time of year because I have an arsenal of great excuses to use as I desire. Some are selfish, manipulating excuses, but I use them without concern because it's the time of year to get away with it.
No, I'm not talking about spending gobs of money on unnecessary things, but the amazingly goofy, almost ridiculous things you can only get away with during these few weeks, such as:
- Wearing red everyday to work, repeating many outfits without concern (my family was confused)
- Decorating the office with tacky Santa lights, snowflakes and a faulty string of icicles and tell my boss it wasn't me (he didn't fall for it)
- Hug many people at work and tell them how much they mean to me, and they don't pull away
- Bake for my neighbors and convince them nothings poisonous, and they trust me
- Put up my snowflakes!
- Sing Christmas songs with Roland for about 20 days straight (He's finally gotten Jiggle Bells!)
- Convince Brian to visit the Opry Hotel to see the lights (but it still took a struggle)
- Leave a pot of cinnamon apple spice tea on the stove top for days just because it makes the house smell nice (Brian: I promise the burner is off)
- Tape holiday cards all over the dog closet
- Think of unique and fun little gifts for my wonderful family that I know they'll enjoy
- Spend the holidays with family (but not everyone at the same time, I'm not crazy!)
- Wrap presents in Sunday coupons because buying wrapping paper is dumb
- Make door ornaments (satisfying my crafting craving this time of year) for the McKendree nursing home and deliver them with Roland
The last one is just amplified by the wonderful excuse of having an engaging child. Roland is my year round favorite excuse to be the best that I can be, which is usually tacky, a bit weird and all kid at heart. We (Ok, me with some creative direction from Roland) made two dozen foam and ribbon door ornaments for the residents of Health Hall (a nursing home just down the road.) I'm documenting this not because of me, but because I want Roland to know that this is what life should be like all year long: giving joy to everyone around you. And having an child is the easiest excuse in the world to accomplish that.
The nursing home was dark, empty, and less than fragrant. I was nervous, and at times apprehensive about what we were doing, but Roland seemed curious and willing. When we finally reached the nurse station, no one was there but in a moment it seemed everyone was there, and a nurse eagerly took Roland and I door to door to visit all who could greet us as we spread our well wishes. After three rooms I was unsure if Roland would warm up to the experience, but a 100 year old smiling school teacher named Ruby charmed him and from there I just tried to keep up. Roland was dashing to each room with a ornament in tow, carefully offering it to hands that were once as strong and soft as his. With each resident we expressed our wish for their health and happiness in the new year and Roland would do his best to say "timy timus" (Merry Christmas), explain what Santa says "ho, ho, ho!" (nailed that one), blow a kiss (think blowing onto palm of hand without the sending part) and a rousing "bye-bye" before bolting off to the next room. And while the experience was a sobering reminder of humanity and made painfully obvious changes a body can endure, it was really moving to see what a smile from a child can do. We did get one "What was that? A dog?" which reminded me next year we might have to see about getting Buddy in on the action.
Sadly, Roland will never remember this evening and many that we saw tonight might not be there next year. But as far as traditions (and excuses to have them) go, sharing joy through Roland's smile was the best one I could think of.
1 comment:
LOVE this! it was so sweet of you. i have a 96 yr old aunt that just went in a n. home a few weeks ago. they can be sad places. i'm sure you brightened up their day:)
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