On the Verge

Here we are on the verge of another holiday season. When Christmas items hit the shelves, then the holiday season is in full-blown mode, anyway; here we are on the brink of an unprecedented (how often have you heard that lately) holiday season. A virus, lockdowns, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners on hold or parred down, remarkable for this generation? Yep! Definitely.

We’re all a little bummed this year, and it has been a long year. If you have the opportunity, I urge you to take time this year to talk with your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents or other relatives about their unprecedented Christmas’s.

They can tell you about the Great Depression, food, gas, and merchandise rationing during World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War. The separation from husbands, sons, brothers, lovers. That empty chair at the table, not knowing when or if they would see their loved ones again. 

Maybe a conversation about past difficulties overcome will help us to deal with OUR unprecedented year’s problems.

I’m a glass-half-full type of gal. I like looking at the positives of a difficult situation. My daughter lives in California, 2221.0 miles from home (yes, I know exactly how far away she is). When I start to feel down because I can’t see her, I remind myself that this is the 21st century, not 1850.

I can call her anytime I want, Facetime, Zoom, text, and in just a few hours, I can fly to see her if need be. In the 19th century, if a family member left for the west, chances are we never saw them again. 

Remember Facetime, Zoom, phone calls, and text messages this holiday season, and keep in touch with those we may not see at our usual holiday gatherings. Keep your chin up; we’re Americans; we can do it!!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!!