Here we are at Christmas time again, another year just about done.
For me, it’s a time to catch my breath, a time to find some calm in the world, a time to think about the past year. A time to reflect, play my guitar, read and catch up on outstanding house and yard tasks. For many it’s a time of significant spiritual meaning. Again for many it’s a gathering of family and friends, unfortunately for some it’s a very lonely time.
The Gringe
Our house is a busy house, it’s just how we are, but it’s “good” busy, we don’t “fluff” around thinking we’re busy, we both get a lot of things done. When we do relax, our time is very precious, we protect it as best as we can. I’m sure I’m known as being anti-social and that’s probably a fair call. I don’t have the needs of a social butterfly with a ridiculous Instagram feed needing more “look at me look at me” food. Ah give me a break!! 2023 has been no different but times are changing as we move through our lives.
At this point you might be thinking “Wow” that’s all very boring and somewhat unexpected. Sounds a bit like the Gringe !!
Well stay with me on this.
We knew the lead up to Christmas would be socially very busy – before you say anything, I know this somewhat contradicts the previous comments!
The thing is we have some very special genuine friends in our world who teach me lessons on living every time we see them. Our house is always open to them. They have the authorised entry code if you understand me, to the point where we welcome them to stay with us when they’re here in our beautiful part of the world.
Recently, we’ve enjoyed the company of an international family who took our son under their wing when he was playing cricket in England many years ago. A professional couple who have a mentally disabled adult son who also stayed with us. Believe me you learn patience and humility when you experience, if only for a brief time, what it must be like to have a lifetime commitment beyond question or reprieve – such strength.
Our visiting Canadian presiding daughter and husband with our grand daughter who will turn one this Christmas. To sit and watch our Australian grandson of a similar age playing with his Canadian cousin is very special. Our interstate friends who made a special trip at considerable expense to visit while our international family is all together and my sister and husband who made the effort if only for one night and many other past visitors over the years.
So what’s the point?
What makes this all very special is that all the people I’ve mentioned aren’t generally like me in how I go about my day to day existence – in some instances, not even close! But what makes them so wonderful and interesting to be around is that amongst other things, they’re also highly skilled artists, they’re musicians, they’ve built “Not for Profit” community assistance organisations to assist other families with similar issues, they run successful businesses. And amongst all of their makeup, the big standout traits are – they’re caring, compassionate, energetic, creative and they have integrity. They’re extraordinary people, though like most folk all have crosses to bare yet they accept the challenges and that’s a humbling and inspiring thing.
There’s some pretty shitty stuff going on in the world at the moment and I doubt it will ever change. So if you can, don’t be the Gringe, enjoy this special time of year, love the ones you’re close to and just as importantly love yourself. You made it !
Have a very Merry Christmas
As always thanks for reading – RD.
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