The Idea of Christmas

It is a really good idea.  The “idea” of Christmas is a really good idea.  An out of wedlock couple travel with their donkey thru the dessert – have their baby in a barn on three-day old hay without anesthesia — while three wise men (we don’t know why they are wise —- wondering around the dessert with valuable metals and spices) – angels watching overhead – you have to ask what were they doing there--- then there is the Christmas Tree – where did that come from – basically a pagan symbol.  It is a story based on a willing suspension of disbelief but it is all really cool and I like the idea and the outcome.

That is where I am at this very moment.  I have been traveling for most of the month and someone suggested that I get a Christmas tree.  Honestly that, too, seems like a really good idea except that I have to get the tree – lug it up many steps and then find all those ornaments --- where are they and who is going to help put them on the tree?  Now I sound like the Grinch.  In a way I am because I have no children living in my house and let’s be real Children drive the bus when it comes to Christmas.  Would you really pull out all those decorations and buy all those gifts and feel guilty all the while as you think of those less fortunate, if it were not for Children that are fired up -- well? – well? – you have to do it!! 

My daughter called and suggested that I pull together a little Christmas dinner for 14. Now that seems like a really good idea except for the set up – the cooking -- the clean-up.  And all that other stuff which I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

 I had an amazingly “thank worthy” Thanksgiving with my family and am equally significant adventure after Thanksgiving, which has all sorts of promise for the coming year.  I could just leave it at that --- but -- the idea of Christmas is a really good one.

It is just all of that work to make the idea a reality when I am focused else where.  I am confused and struggling with the appropriate ranking of all those priorities.  I think I would like someone to come in and set it all up, promise to clean it all up and then I can enjoy the idea of Christmas and look forward to the prospects of the coming year.

Maybe if I go skiing it will all be done when I come back.  I really like the idea of Christmas I just don’t want to be the one that wraps the presents.

Merry Christmas

Love, Mr. Fantasy