Dec
20
2006
Christmas Approaches
I'm listening to Kris Kristofferson's self-titled album from 1969 and it's a great fucking listen. Good combination of cheese-ball country ponderings and solid songwriting. Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down should be required listening for all who have nursed a bad hangover and equally bad regret and guilt (i.e. everyone). Damn near brings a tear to my eye every time I hear it, and it's no wonder Johnny Cash - a man who knew much regret and guilt - covered it. Somehow, it seems appropriate to listen to this at Christmas.
I'm actually looking forward to Christmas this year. My shopping is done. My presents are wrapped (the earliest I've ever been done)! The tree is up and shimmering. The poinsettias are alive and blooming (one of my work colleagues sent me a poinsettia - a most welcome surprise). Most importantly, It's my first somewhat "integrated" Christmas with the family. I say "somewhat" because the integration isn't fully complete yet. I'm still dividing my time between two residences. I'm moving out of my most recent bachelor phase into my family phase, a change that makes me happy to no end. Truly. You can't wipe the smile from my face. The transition will last for another six months or so, at which time I'll be moved in with Ker and the kid. The change does hold no small amount of sadness for me, as well. I've been living with my brother for the past 3-1/2 years. It's been a very amazing and cool thing to get to know him as an adult, and I am very thankful for the time we had together (and still another six months to go). Our time together has been a gift for both of us. I will miss my little bro.
The family's Christmas schedule is hectic, but all the pieces fit. With four sets of parents to accommodate, it'll be a fun - if crazy - runaround. Kerry and I should be able to squeeze in some "us" time over the course of the next few days. It'd be very nice to have a few quiet, "calm before the storm" moments before the shitstorm starts. If all goes well, and if the seasonal gods are playing in our corner, we just might make it out Elk Island for a pre-Christmas hike. We miss our old pals, the bison. Those bearded, stoic meattanks warm our hearts so.
From my family to yours, we wish you all the eggnog-induced craziness that the season has to offer. May you be jolly and well.
