December 25, 2023 Christmas Day

 

I got out of bed at 5AM. I’d been up earlier to walk to the loo and to post my ‘Christmas greeting’ on social media. Made a cup of coffee and a breakfast burrito with a swallow of orange juice and sat down before the screen to see if there was still life on this planet.

It was too early for the kiddies to post their selfies of wrapping paper and puppies. The sun was just breaking through the clouds. It was too early to start my mission, so back under the layers of blankets I dove for another snooze and weird dreams.

7:00AM and the sun was lightening the yard. A quick brushing and gargle, change of diapers and throw on some dark hoodie to turn out the lights and wander out into what is called ‘Christmas Day’.

I stop in the sunlight, as I always do, to listen to the yard before assembly of my daily plan. The days agenda seem to be falling in place with the silence of the neighborhood.

Slowly riding through familiar yet not so much recently parts of town, I pass a few neighbors walking their children or pets. A greeting of “Merry Christmas” brings a smile and a holiday response. This is the one day of the year when everyone, at least around here, is happy.

Tomorrow the lights will be deemed and the inflatables removed and people will fill their trash bins with colorful paper and ribbons, while the recycling bins are overstuffed with cardboard. Does Santa bring all that cardboard?

Ride down the main street with bike barriers made of sticks parking cars out into the right lane and avoiding the piles of leaves. Over the bridge and turn right.

The firetruck is out in the driveway so I approach slowly. A fireman comes out from the open bay door and welcomes me. I hand him a Ukrop’s apple pie with a white bow on it and say, “Merry Christmas”. We chat for a few minutes and he shakes my hand in appreciation of the unexpected gift.

Off to my next appointment, passing a family with a small child riding a tiny bike. “Merry Christmas” I say with a smile and laughter response. Was that Santa?

Another person wearing a Santa hat being walked by a dog looked up and smiled. “Merry Christmas” we retorted to each other with smiles. A jogger runs by intent on her time and pace. “Merry Christmas” I say breaking her concentration. She turns to me with a smile. “Merry Christmas” and off she runs. Maybe it is the jolly white bearded man in the red hoodie?

The convenient store that is open 365 days a year is the only place where beer can be purchased on Christmas Day. A pleasant exchange of dollars and conversation and I’m back to my attended destination. A mailbox.

Through the back streets quiet with household frolicking indoors tearing up paper and attempting to enjoy gifts they will never use. Without traffic, it is easy to drop off my four envelops with enough payments for a month pay.

Down the hill to the empty parking lots and back through the vacant streets. A bit further than my daily ride but without traffic a pleasure.

Once home, I spread out the seed, but have forgotten the peanuts. I apologize to my neighbors before retiring into Mansland and Christmas guitar music. On this day, I will avoid the news.

A dinner of sliced turkey with gravy over wild brown rice is more than filling, so the slices of bread are added to the outdoor buffet.

Now, as it gets dark, I’ll venture inside to unload the laundry with one more check of family pictures of a one-day birthday celebration.

Tomorrow is December 26, 2023. How will I greet the day? Will the day greet me?