02 December 2010

The Importance of Being Happy

Hooray - it's December!  And today would be my mother's 92nd birthday, and she would have likely spent the day asking The Tim to help her find her cane.  Which, nine times out of ten, was right in front of her ... fortunately, she would find the whole thing as funny as we did ...

It's also the second night of Hanukkah, and I am sending along wishes for a happy celebration to any friends who celebrate.  I saw a gorgeous menorah in the window of an otherwise regular-looking row house on my way home tonight, and it looked so pretty and so welcoming, the house was no longer regular-looking.

Jetsam bought me a Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Advent calendar as an anniversary present.  Yesterday, the little door opened to show Rudolph; today, it was the Spotted Elephant.  (Yes, it is a totally secular Advent calendar, I am completely aware of the incongruity there.  But please keep any preachy opinions on said topic to yourself.  Thank you.)

In spite of the fact that it means I must also hear ones that annoy me greatly (i.e. "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer"), they are playing Christmas music on the radio. 

It is cold here, and feels like holiday time, weather-wise.  I have warm clothes, food, drink, and a home. 

Jetsam was not the least bit interested in watching Rudolph with me the other night, like Garden Kitty *always* was.  But tonight he helped me find the box that has my Christmas socks in it, and we had quite a hi-larious time, ending with him getting some treats to distract him long enough for me to put away said box.

My boss won't let me play Christmas music in my office, because she doesn't want it to offend anyone.  When I play any music at work, I keep the volume so low that I can barely hear it.  However, it's good to have a job.

Three different people have made it a point to tell me that they are not getting me a gift this year, and DO NOT want one from me.  I didn't realize that one was automatically related to the other; I only ever have a gift for someone 'cause I actually want to, never because I have to do it.

Tomorrow is Friday.


Sometimes you have to look for the happy, but it's always there somewhere.

9 comments:

Jenn said...

"Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" may be the worst song in the history of songs.

Anonymous said...

Yes it is, and we should always, always make sure we look. Happy Always, sweetie.

mary said...

Happy Friday! Hope your day goes well and you have a relaxing evening. It's good to get in the Holiday spirit. I used to dread the Holidays and it meant for a quite a few weeks of unhappiness. Then I changed my mind and embraced them, I'm a lot happier for it.

SissySees said...

So the Knight was born on your mom's birthday. Huh. I hadn't put that together before.

We had a VERY light dusting of snow last night. Bring it on. It makes the season seem "right"...

gail said...

Thanks for that, Bridget - I envy your ability to find the positive in everything. I'm trying to do the same in my life! I really have no reason to complain: My son is away from home, but he's building his furture and will be home for Christmas. I am fortunate to still have both my parents who are in good health. I have the most wonderful family and friends who supported me through the worst time of my life. I have a good job that I mostly love. I am currently with a great guy who I enjoy spending time with and who treats me great. I have a roof over my head and heat in my apartment and food in my cupboards. So yeah, count me as happy, too!!

Amanda said...

I LOVE THIS POST and needed to hear today! Was thinking of Gram last night and toasted her! Hey hey!
Love you!

Carrie#K said...

Looking for the happy is good advice. There's always something good.

Jetsam doesn't love Rudolph? The horror!

How did we get to a place where you can't play Christmas Carols in fear of offending someone, gifts are some kind of quid pro quo and celebrating the holidays is some kind of pro or con statement?

Why can't we all be friends? Or at the very least, mind our own business and quit giving/taking offense and just freaking enjoy it.

Bookfool said...

I love this entire post . . . and Carrie's comment.

craftivore said...

Happy Birthday Granny! 92, wow. I have to say that I find Xmas pretty overwhelming with all the things that we are supposed to do. I would rather it is reduced to a nice meal with those who mean something to us.