Skating Uphill
By
Judith Lawrenson
PINK Magazine
December issue-2018
New advice from an old friend!
I know I always give advice about how to stay away from the buffet table and tell you not to gain ANY weight at all every Christmas, but this year is different! This year I am really into the true spirit of it all and it is all because I have been in snow. I have not really seen big, beautiful snow since I left California fifteen years ago. We used to ski Lake Tahoe every year for all we were worth. It was fabulous and somehow missing that snow has kind of put a different cast on the holiday. This year, though, we have been visiting in a place where it snowed last night nearly a foot and it was beautiful this morning. so yeah, White Christmas has changed my mood.
In the past I have been weight obsessed, given away lovely candy and cookies and generally been a nutrition curmudgeon about the whole food aspect of Christmas. Now, not so much. The whole thing seems to me still that it should not revolve around food and parties, but that so many other things about the spirit of the holidays are good for us in many ways. I plan this year to relax and enjoy all there is to see, do, and share.
First off, let’s talk about music. I happen to know that there are many musical performances all holiday season. In the past we have been to some but this year we will go to all we can possibly make. Seasonal music, whether it is by a high school choir, the Shorenotes, or the local symphony is so powerful and so much a part of traditions. One year we had a group of carolers come to our house and we loved it. I have vowed to do it myself with my family some year. My husband and son have beautiful voices and I can at least remember the words and sing along. Also one year, some kids from the high school put on some Victorian outfits and sang with a passed cup and made enough to buy all of their gifts. They also brought unexpected pleasure to Outlet shoppers!
Next let’s talk gifts. I just an article in Real Simple magazine about how to create children who are minimalists. This does not sound like too much Christmas fun, but wait a minute-it actually was of great interest to see some different idea for “presents.” We all have seen the ideas for something home made, a craft, a movie ticket, a surprise trip and that sort of thing and those are all great ideas. Thinking a bit more out of the box, what about a service? Our church makes baskets for the needy that actually include directions to local shelters and information on job counseling sites. One of my neighbors gave her elderly friend five “you name it” passes. these were good for a grocery trip, movie, ride to anywhere, out to lunch etc. Her friend was thrilled. Sometimes it is hard to ask-so, use your free pass! Last year our church chipped in and paid a month’s rent for a man whose wife had cancer instead of doing a gift exchange. What a great feeling that was.
We used to give our kids craft kits and traditionally after Christmas Dinner, we would spend the evening putting stuff together. One year we made the gingerbread house that topped all other ones in the universe! The next year, everyone got a beaded belt kit. OK, you are right, that was pretty much a flop, but we are still in their pitching. Anyway, I am sure you get the idea and can do even better.
Last but not least-How about YOU? Yes, we still need to take good care of ourselves. How about treating yourself to a nice massage? Why not try one of those pre-made food boxes for a week. Just for something crazy, buy yourself that extra special bottle of wine you were going to buy for someone else and buy them a cheaper one. Oh, my. I could not do THAT! Well, yes you can. Here is your permission slip. Buy an outfit that you can’t afford and don’t worry about it. I know that sounds unwise, but that is exactly the point for once.
Christmas is new birth even more than Spring. It is promises fulfilled and hope that has come to life. Let yourself be a part of it. Yes, this is a very healthy thing to do-trust me!