I love Christmas. I love it all. I also love the commercialism. I realized how much I loved that part when I was in a country where it was missing. Perhaps that is why many people who come to this country hate commercialism or naught.
I have had a very busy life and though I have retired twice, I have returned to school, worked internships for free (hopefully, the government will change that) and consistently paid out for tuition, association fees, etc........These five years have been an eye opener and I have learned that you can teach an old dog new tricks. The one thing I do each year no matter what is make that effort to reconnect to everyone I know, regardless how far. I spend one full day writing cards to individual people outside the country or province. To people in Toronto, I actually go visit or they me and we exchange a card or a small gift. Sometimes it is just the company shared. To me, the Christmas spirit is not in how much is given or received but in the spirit that it is given and received. Christmas cards have been coming in and why not? I have known quite a few people in my short life. They are scattered. I do not enforce my love for Christmas. If I do not get a card for several years, then I stop unless the person is elderly and frail. Notice I said frail. I have always had friends of all ages and that I found to be wonderful. I have learned from them all. I love getting cards. Sometimes a neighbour will leave me a gift on my alcove and I marvel at that too. I love that connection that people make at Christmas, because it is the time of year of reaching out. HOwever, my pet peeve and I know that it is mine, is getting that letter that is sent out with the card to perhaps 200 other people. It almost diminishes the card for me (but not quite). What I also detest is the virtual card in lieu of a card. The virtual card always appears to be from a person of wealth who cannot be bothered to spend that postage. I also cannot stand when I receive a phone call from someone who says she does not believe in Christmas Cards or commercialism and therefore is calling as a response to the card. Off the card list and onto the naughty list.
Dear Santa, this year I have forgotten to write to you. So I will email you this and ask that you remind people if they receive a card, it may be just a gesture of a Christmas greeting. There is no need to reply by phone or virtualality because a card was sent. There is no requirement to feel guilty. If a phone call is to be made, make it happen because the person wants to reach out and say Merry Christmas. Actually, Santa, I think I will send you a letter, or note because my wants are minimal. So I will get at that and not be a hypocrite. Thank you Santa, I still believe in you and watch out for you each year. Exuse me not leaving cookies and milk because I don't think you actually come in. I always find something in my porch and am not quite sure who it is so it must be you.
This year Santa, I ask that you bring the joy of Christmas by having people reaching out to others in a genuine gesture. I ask that the poor be reminded that they are worthy of all things as are all people. There is a Santa Claus.
To dream..............
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