As the Christmas holiday drew nearer, there wasn’t the usual cheer and expectations in the house. Maybe this was because I was still in that pre-recovery feeling. The kids were also still debating what they wanted from Santa, and my wife and I were cautious about what we were asking each other to get for gifts. The in-laws were coming to town for the holidays but had not arrived yet. Every effort to get ready for the upcoming Christmas holiday seemed overly strained this year. We were going through the motions of getting ready for the holiday this year but something was not right.
Once the in-laws arrived the tension and stress enhanced. It was like one of those holiday movies where everyone smiled and pretended to be happy with gigantic smiles and cheer. The kids finally decided what they wanted for gifts. Now we had to quickly get the shopping done without getting caught. I am sure there are many of you who experience the same efforts for your holiday shopping. I was running all over the place.
I also ordered a good selection of wine to have one hand and to give as gifts to all of our neighbors who were there for me during the event and who helped out afterwards. I have been a member at the Chateau Ste Michelle Winery in Washington state since 2008, and I can get some pretty fine wines. I felt that this year I needed to share my being here with the neighbors in a most cheerful and spirited way. And wine is a good spirit to share since all of our neighbor’s drink wine. Once I had packaged all of the gifts of spirit, I enjoyed walking around the neighborhood passing out the gifts of appreciation and chatting more about the holiday’s whit each of them. I wished everyone health and happiness for the holiday season, and this year those wishes truly came from the heart.
The in-laws arrived for the holiday bringing more gifts for the girls tucked away in the suitcases. Whenever the in-laws come to Virginia for the holidays this was a bit of the tradition. Also, part of the hiding of the gift’s tradition was the reassigning of sleeping quarters to accommodate for my wife’s parents. I would also say that this sets up the next level of stress that I think all families experience when you are hosting out-of-town family and friends under a small roof for the holiday period. This is where a nice glass of wine plays an important role in the de-stressing of the atmosphere. So, here is my toast to you while holding a nice glass of wine in my secluded hiding place:
“May you enjoy your moment of stress relief seclusion during the Holidays, or at any other time, knowing that this is only one of many more moments to come in your life needing intervention. Make them happen and you will be happier.”
Christmas day arrived and the gifts were stacked up and opened. Lots of smiles! The girls always get to many gifts. Our girls are extremely spoiled. After the enormous pile of gifts were opened and the recyclable paper was collected, I disappeared into the kitchen to begin the preparation of the Christmas Day Family Feast. This year it was decided that I would prepare my garlic and peppered crusted tenderloin roast as part of the main entre. I always enjoy the searing part of this preparation since it makes the kitchen smell so good. There were also side dishes that I prepared to go along with the roast, and I served a very special wine to the adults only. My youngest daughter always tries to put her finger in my glass to try and steal a drop for enjoyment.
The day turned out to be decent and I was glad that it was winding down. Time for another glass of wine. I was exhausted! This would be my second glass this day, but what the heck, it was Christmas and I was here to celebrate it.
I had an appointment with the cardiologist during the week after Christmas so they could check my heart function before I start my cardiac rehab which was scheduled to begin the first week in January. I was looking forward to this appointment since this is the appointment where I would hear how my heart is doing for my recovery. If all is going well, I feel that I would have a new level of confidence starting the new year.
The in-laws finally departed for their next journey and the atmosphere in the house began to settle. It is always a good time to see the in-laws, but is does stress my wife out after a few days so the departure allows for her to begin to decompress and get some more relaxing in. Of course the house was a mess, but it was basically vacant with only the girls constantly asking for something. You know, they are old enough to get their own stuff but they do prefer to sit on the sofa and demand service. I often wonder, do other parents provide this service for their kids or have they reached the point of refusal. I think maybe one of my next life goals is to renew my parenting skills for this century.
Not much to say for any new year celebrations. My oldest daughter was in bed around 9:00 PM which a little past here usual bedtime. I was in bed shortly after her. I was exhausted. My youngest daughter and my wife stayed up to celebrate the ringing in of the new year.
So, to everyone who happens across my personal story page and reads my vignettes, I send my heartfelt wishes to you and your family for a healthy and successful 2025. I am looking forward to continuing writing my story and hope you will follow me in my journey through this year of new beginnings and my life remembered.
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