Yule

It's Christmas morning in our home. One family gathering down and one to go. Mom came over and drank fake wine and we opened presents, then went to my brother and sister in law's for Christmas eve. Today we go to my father-in-law's for round two.

I think Christmas spirit is harder to muster these days. I spent a good deal of time thinking about helping my mother manage the noise and chaos (and keeping her from ingesting too much real wine). That part came off pretty well, actually. I can't help thinking about the mother I used to have, though, before dementia.

So, maudlin man, what do you have to feel grateful for?

Healthy, vital children. A great wife. A good dog. A mortgage which is not sub-prime. A faltering Republican Party. Raquetball. Cross country skiing on 8 inches of new snow. A green guitar. In laws who are good at managing fake wine. The house is clean already. A good job. A band I like playing in. Friends who know me and are still my friends. Cameras. Birds. Warm socks. Books. Leftovers. Cars that start on cold mornings. Songs to sing along with.

Happiness is best when it is allowed to happen. In seasons when it must be made manifest on demand, it can seem strained. It is better to count blessings than it is to count gifts. Peace be with you and yours.