A few people may think I am down on Christmas. Not quite true.
When I was in my grade school days I was fortunate to spend Christmas a few times at my aunt and uncle's farm north of Drayton Valley, Alberta. The food was always awesome. My aunt was a very good cook and we played card games during the day. I have fond memories of those times. My own family was never really that big on Christmas but I enjoyed getting together with relatives when we were able. Christmas with just the immediate family in those days were good. My father loved to play cards and any card game with him was entertaining.
These days nothing really goes according to plan for Christmas. I like to have things set a few weeks ahead of time. No matter how the plans are set a certain unnamed family member likes to ruin them at the last moment either by changing things or not cooperating. This has been going on for years and I have learned to live with it. Ideally I would like to have the remaining immediate family get together without any hitches in a nice setting and have a good time.
About a week before Christmas I go down my list and send an email or text to a number of people I know, and a number I barely know, and make a point to wish them a Merry Christmas. I have been doing this for years and I do this because I like to do it and I sincerely want everyone to have a memorable holiday.
