I really don't hate Christmas. It's just been a bad day... this month.
No Christmas tree(s) this year because of the
I could at least decorate the house a bit. That might perk me up.
I've been planning to put out some of the unbreakable decorations (or those un-appealing to Dudo and Moose), like our collection of Papa Noels (aka Santa Claus), but haven't gotten around to it. I was waiting for the painting to be finished, the new slip covers to be done, and the house to be put back together. I have no idea what I'm waiting for now. The second coming? Never mind... I'll just play some appropriate Christmas music.
I'll head into Málaga one afternoon this week to check out the lights and decorations. That will help. Meanwhile, I'm going through old photos to bring back some of that Christmas magic. I found these two from the seven months we lived in Marina Del Rey (near Los Angeles, California). Not only does it show the fun I had with the holiday, it also shows that I actually did cook.
Well, crap, if you're going to nit-pick... San Geraldo "cooked." I decorated. But still...
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| CHRISTMAS 1982, MARINERS VILLAGE: SHAG CARPET. GRASS CLOTH WALLS. THIS PLACE JUST SCREAMED THE '70s. |
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| I WAS ESPECIALLY FOND OF LADY GODIVA (UPPER LEFT) AND THE GUY TO HER RIGHT IN THE IZOD POLO. |
Nice decorating on the cookies! Very creative.
ReplyDeleteI, too, get into a slump between my birthday in November and around February each year. Too many "happy" this and "merry" that, I guess. Maybe too much concentration on family, life's time passage, and expected "good cheer" - maybe because it's winter and SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Although I enjoy your humor in your blogs, I think I appreciate your honesty the best. Keep on plugging on - I'm with you all the way. Love to you and San Geraldo.
Jo:
DeleteAw, Jo, you're a sweetheart. Thanks! Didn't you have a T-shirt "Seattle Rain Festival: January 1 to December 31"? Sometimes it feels like my slump has the same date range.
Yes, I did have that t-shirt! You have a great memory! The slump is like a drizzling, gray day over and over again.
DeleteGreat, great, GREAT-looking cookies that you decorated back back back then :)
ReplyDeleteWhen I have felt overwhelmed with the idea of decorating for Christmas, I'd just put out a few of the santas and be done with it. Maybe if you just tell yourself that you're giving yourself permission to not go all out, you'll feel okay about just putting out, say, 2 santas. And maybe a wreath. Or whatever. Then... you won't feel doubly full of self-loathing for feeling like too much of a stick in the mud to decorate :) And, who knows... maybe once you put out just 2 or 3 things, you'll feel like putting out a bit more. But, if you don't, it's okay!
(That's my encouragement for the season ;) )
Judy:
DeleteThanks! Something will be on display for Christmas!
Our first Christmas together the cats decided to attack the tree.
ReplyDeleteThe next year, rather than a tree we hung Christmas ornaments and lights all along the living ceiling.
No Cat Attacks.
But we wanted a tree so we got one and we began schooling the cats in the ways of the tree, what's acceptable--lying underneath it--and what's unacceptable--trying to climb it.
Now, save for a few clawed balls--thankfully just on the tree--the cats are pretty good about it!
Bob:
DeleteSince I used most of the branches from last years three fake trees to build a barrier so the cats can't get through the bougainvillea to the terrace next door, I won't even give a tree another thought (this year at least). Anyway, we've got our hands full trying to teach Dudo (as if) to not use the new slipcovers as a scratching post. I don't think we (or he) could cope with "get away from the tree."
Our Texas daughter has been considering hanging a tree from the ceiling, but figures Frankie (Frankenstein... well named) will launch himself from a chair back or something to have at it. As to the Christmas slump... why do you think I planned to come to Costa Rica on December 16th? Why spread around my bad vibes when everyone else is so happy? Anyway... we'll get through it... you and I.... no matter where we're at.
ReplyDeleteSharon:
DeleteCan't imagine you with bad vibes... and you'd think I'd understand it all by now! As for suspending a tree. The ceilings aren't high enough to keep it out of reach of Dudo. If we had done that in Sevilla, it would have been very entertaining.
I hear you about all the hullabaloo about Christmas! Sometimes it is just too much to get that excited about it anymore. We used to go all out years ago and the past 15 or so have cut back quite a bit.....now we put a few 'things' around the house and use a 70's table ceramic Christmas tree (yes, one of those!) that Ron's mother made and that is it!
ReplyDeleteEasy peasy!
Now to the serious stuff!! Those ginger bread men and women! Of course you wouldn't bake them....someone had to decorate eh? And who better that you!
Mitch, hope the slump lifts, as you know it always does, and you both enjoy the holidays as you see fit to do.
I REALLY want a gingerbread man now!! lol
Jim:
DeleteWe had an '80s ceramic Christmas tree that Jerry's mother made. Ours, however, was a music box! We also had (from her) large ceramic reindeer and sleigh. And we still have a ceramic Santa! That WILL come out (of the closet, as a matter of fact). I'm dying for some gingerbread. May have to go out for "a walk" in a bit. (San Geraldo's diet...)
I love the expression on the Lady Godiva cookie--she doesn't look comfortable being dressed only in icing. I hope you find your Christmas cheer. The holidays can be frantic and unnerving sometimes. Take care.
ReplyDeleteStephen:
DeleteJust one of my miserable cycles... I shouldn't blame it on Christmas. It will pass. Tomorrow! Thanks.
I actually like the one with the bow tie. That used to be me!!!!
ReplyDelete:D~
Don't start me on Xmas music, I'm having nausea every time I hear an ad for some singer with his/her new Xmas music album. I'm thinking of launching my own, just for good measure, and I can't sing!!! Not that it would matter, apparently. Just need some good marketing, it would seem...
;)~
I won't comment on the shag rug...
OK, Ok, I've said too much already!!!
If it's any consolation,
I did [finally] set up my lights in the patio door, with some ornaments hanging [not for dear life, my cats behave...now!!!], and I don't even press the switch to light them on...
Have we become jaded about it all?!?
I may have....
To think that I used to do that for a living,
4 months of Xmas!!!
And I don't even celebrate it myself....
:D~
I've selected a few snowmen but they're still waiting for me to do something with them,
waiting patiently with their smiling faces, just staring at me.
And when I look at them, all I have to say to them is "meh"....
The only positive thing for me will be for the couple of days off they'll bring.
As for the rest, very low profile.
Couldn't be bothered...
Some of my friends are otherwise busy,
others have flown the country....
You get the picture.
Meh...
HUGZ
TICKLEBEAR:
DeleteWell, I'm sure no help with YOUR attitude. Sorry! We do have some unusual Christmas music that might perk me up (such as, "What If Mozart Wrote Christmas Music?") I bought "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" one year (By Elmo and Patsy). San Geraldo hated it, of course. And, after a complete listen, I decided the story was a bit too ugly for my tastes; so, it went to Goodwill. Honestly, though, my problem is not with Christmas. That's just something to blame for another slump. It will pass (and it's already starting to).
Gee whizz you live in SPAIN, how lucky can you be? I am stuck in Ottawa at -40C is awful weather. I want to come and live at your place, it's Xmas you should take pity on a poor soul. I can cook, clean, make martini and iron the sheets, and tell funny stories about the Duchess of Alba. My references come from SPO.
ReplyDeleteLaurent:
DeleteI would love funny stories about the Duchess of Alba. Her palace (the one she kept when she married her boy toy) was just a few minutes walk from us in Sevilla. San Geraldo cooks. But clean? OK. Ironing sheets? I've never heard of such a thing (well, I USED to do that)! I think I'd rather take you on your word. Afterall, SPO regularly wears Viking horns.
I love the cookies so much! My sister and I used to go all out with decorating Christmas cookies in unique ways. We never did a Lady Godiva, though! Now that we live several states away from each other, I never think of doing them. Maybe this year. Wish I could send some cheer across the Atlantic!
ReplyDeleteMichelle:
DeleteYou just DID send some cheer across the Atlantic. Thanks a million!
I think I can remember the energy and enthusiasm of being young, just. Where did it go? If you find yours, let me know.
ReplyDeleteAndrew:
DeleteAh, I could be a pretty miserable individual when I was young, too.
Oh my, I love those cookies!!! I used to do stuff like that, now I can barely get the tree up!
ReplyDeleteLaurent is right, it's bloody cold here right now!
If you need cheering up, I suggest putting antlers or a Santa hat on the cats! :)
Knatolee:
DeleteDon't think I'll try dressing up the cats. They finally trust us completely.
It was cold here yesterday. 15C!!! Chilly today, too. 17C. There's just no pleasing some people. (Actually, gorgeous and sunny today and I know full well that 17C is something to be grateful for.) You have my sympathy!
Perhaps this kind of tree would be better? http://interiordec.about.com/od/cmasartificial/a/upsidedowntree.htm
ReplyDeletePerhaps you could consider a more personal holiday celebration, with less stress and strain? That's something my darling dear and I are doing, working out ways to celebrate which require less fuss and that are more about fun and relaxation. Maybe you need less work in your holiday and more play? Sending warm hugs tinged with a wee bit of jealousy for your mad cookie decorating skillz.
Jacquelineand....
DeleteI've heard of suspending a tree (upside down or rightside up) from the ceiling, but I've never seen this kind of upside down tree before. Dudo and Moose would have a ball climbing that trunk!
There is NO work in my holiday. Truth is, my life is currently a breeze. I really have nothing to complain about other than the fact that despite this wonderful life, I'm in an emotional slump. It will pass... again... and it will be back... again. That's the way it goes.
Wheres our cookies this year then Mitchell? Oh yeah us fat club members are not allowed them!!!! SHAME
ReplyDeleteSlushie:
DeleteWe'd be baking dozens right now ... if it weren't for "the club." (At least, that's what I say now...)
Dear Mitchell,
ReplyDeleteYou could follow a nice tradition from this part of the world and have a large bare branch hung from the ceiling and then decorated. We usually have that in the hallway to welcome visitors. Branches with interesting twists and twirling twigs on them make for an interesting effect. Sometimes people use a branch of curly willow.
Anyway I am sending some Christmas cheer your way because, well, to be honest with you, I love Christmas!
Bye for now,
Kirk
Kirk:
DeleteI love this idea. Sadly, this apartment gives up in ceiling height what it takes in location and view. But, I'll perk up, sit out on the terrace with a holiday drink, watch and listen to the waves, and I won't complain anymore!
Am loving the gay gingerbread man with man boobs!
ReplyDeleteChin up
John Gray:
DeleteI was kind of surprised at those man boobs. I can't imagine that was my intention. My chin is up! Thanks.
Lady Godiva looks very much like the now Lady Gaga. I heart you. We can have a funk of a month together. xox
ReplyDeleteNubian:
DeleteWell, Gaga better watch out; I bit off Lady Godiva's head.
"Let me take you to Funky Town!"
Every year at work I groan and batten down the hatches for mid-November to early Jan for the annual Christmas season with all its stress to my patients. hohoho- not.
ReplyDeleteSpo:
DeleteIt's a shame the terrible emotional stress the "happy" holidays put on most people.