'Tis the Season

At one point or another, several of the sites I read have mentioned a lack of excitement for Christmas 2005. Decorating trees, sending out cards, shopping for presents.... It's a lot of work, and not always a lot of fun. However, this year, I find myself enjoying the season more than in years past. Luke and I decorated our little tree right after Thanksgiving. There's been Christmas music and egg nog and mugs of hot chocolate, and for once, a season of gifts paid in full with cash, not because we're rolling in the money but because we were able to achieve a happy medium between extravagent and just plain crappy. We watched A Charlie Brown Christmas. We've been to the zoo to witness the facility aglow with lights, and we've been next door to check out the train exhibit at the gardens. For the most part, I feel that we've thoroughly taken advantage of what the holiday season has to offer. Things feel good. The two of us are good. I'm in a good place.

However, for all of my spirit and cheer, there are some holiday musts I have yet to check off. For example, for the last two years I've watched A Very Brady Christmas while wrapping my presents, because I usually wrap presents alone and nobody will watch the movie with me, so it's an easy way to kill two birds with one stone. This year, Luke and I did this together, and he wanted to watch Pirates of the Carribean. I'm sure many would argue his was the better choice, but really, at what other time is it appropriate to get excited about seeing the Brady clan sing their way through Mike's unfortunate accident at the construction site on 34th Street? It's also fun to watch how the family still treats Alice like a servant, even though the year is 1987 and she's old enough to collect Social Security and Medicaid. Sure, they say she's not their housekeeper anymore, but when she goes to pick up the "kids" at the airport, who carries their luggage? Alice. Who gets hugs and kisses? Not Alice, that's for damn sure!

Maybe it's best I continue to keep this viewing experience private.

Other traditions I've neglected this year:

- My annual It's a Wonderful Life viewing, complete with my own rendition of "Buffalo gal, won't you come out tonight, won't you come out tonight, won't you come out tonight...." (Does anybody know the name to that song?) Up until I was about twelve, this movie was on every cable station and ran every hour and half until Christmas Day. Then NBC bought the rights and became so stingy that now it's only on twice a year on undisclosed days and times.

...OK, maybe that's it. I suppose there are worse things in life then putting off your favorite holiday movies, and because I own both, it's not too late to fill up on the self-imposed required dosage. All in all, I'm counting myself lucky.

And you should, too, for whatever reason. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Comments

[Luke]

Actually, I think most of our wrapping was done sans TV, listening to the Vince Guaraldi Trio. And it may be a long, long time before you trick me into watching A Very Brady Christmas again.

[Bearette24]

Merry Christmas Frema, and I hope you have lots of spinach dip. And no omelettes or oatmeal.

[Brooke]

I'll watch A Very Brady Christmas with you Frema!.

[Molly]

I think that the name of the song is, "Buffalo Gal, Won't You Come out Tonight,"

[Molly]

Or maybe just "Buffalo Gals"

[Sambo V.]

Breain, if you do not bring home A Very Brady Christmas, I swear I am not speaking to you! We have to watch it as a famiyl. ;) I don't know what I'll do if I miss Mike Brady getting stuck at the construction site. :(

[Number Twelve]

Have a holly jolly Christmas!

[Mark]

My two holiday films are "White Christmas" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation." Gotta love tradition.

[auntie betty]

Merry Christmas. I am so glad you enjoyed the holidays. Love you.

[Anonymous]

WHERE ARE YOU?