The New Year: Time To Switch Things Up

Boomers represent a change in the way young people looked at the world. Our views were very different than that of our parents. We felt empowered to change the status quo, burn our bras, demand equal rights as women and control over our bodies. I’m happy to have been a part of the movement. I didn’t just become a teacher, I received my doctorate. It’s a moment I won’t soon forget for myself and my family.

                Therefore, I felt it would only be right if a Boomer changed the way we look at the New Year. I as well as many others have done countless resolutions. Some of us stuck to it, while others let them quietly slip into the background. This year, it’s time to look at the New Year like the first day of school.

                As a student and a teacher, I remember the limitless possibilities found when I opened a new notebook. A clean, fresh sheet of paper waiting for me to put my pen down and begin writing. This year, we should put the resolutions aside and write about our accomplishments, feelings and thoughts we have for our future and the future of our families. I believe it will give us some perspective on what happened in the past and what awaits us in the future.

                Another aspect to consider is we’re the authors of our lives. We decide the plot, characters and where the story will go and with whom. It’s a very exciting undertaking to be in control of the story of our lives. There are some things that are out of our hands, but for the parts we have a say in, the possibilities are limitless. Frankly, isn’t that what being a Boomer is about? Exploring possibilities and letting life take us on a journey worthy of Easy Rider. There may be a few more gray hairs than we’d like, but we have the advantage of wisdom and a willing spirit.

Therefore, my compatriots, let’s take on the coming year like we set out to all those years ago. Our motor is still running and we’re heading for new adventures. We might not want to be wild all the time, but we can let loose and enjoy. Happy New Year!

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Home For The Holidays: It Is A Wonderful Life

Home For The Holidays

It Is A Wonderful Life

            The holidays are a time of cheer, happiness and good will to all men. The holidays open a portal in our spirits with special Christmas’ filled with memories, smiles and family customs. Over the years the holidays have become more commercialized. In fact, we’ve barely had a chance to finish our favorite Thanksgiving dessert before we’re hit with ads for Black Friday.

            One of our most treasured holiday movies is It’s a Wonderful Life. At one time or another, we’ve all been George Bailey. Many face suicidal thoughts like George Bailey. In the film George had Clarence the angel to help him see what life would have been like without him and it woke him up to the real blessings and the meaning of Christmas.

            All of us have angels to help us get through down times during the holidays. For me, it begins with childhood memories of Christmas morning with my parents and brother, opening presents with squeals of delight, kisses and hugs. Christmas breakfast was always special. My mother would switch it up every year and just when we thought she couldn’t top herself, she did. The real fun began when smiling aunts, uncles and cousins arrived bearing gifts. Truth be told the real gifts weren’t gift wrapped The most memorable and long-lasting gifts was their laughter, stories, music and singing. Dancing was a part of the celebration. As a little girl dancing with my father to Nat King Cole’s Christmas song was priceless. When the rest of the family joined in, it was magical. Though I loved dancing with my father, I loved when he and mom danced cheek to cheek, you could feel the love and it still is the gift that keeps on giving my heart and soul.

            Once I had a family with a husband and son, we created new memories together. From decorating the tree to hiding the presents. Christmas morning was just the three of us once my son was born to heaven called my beloved husband home. Our home was warm, cozy and welcoming for the many friends and family who would come over. We laughed, swapped stories, opened presents, indulged in sweet treats and giggled softly when the children thought we didn’t see them swipe yet another candy cane from the tree. They are memories I wouldn’t give up for all the tea in China.

            Now, I am experiencing Christmas time in a new place with my son, daughter-in-law and the many friends I’ve made in the community and church. While I will always miss Christmas’ past, I feel that I am honoring my past by looking forward and never forgetting those who meant the most to me then and now. The true joy of the holidays is, home is where your heart is. Although, I’m no longer a little girl up north or a wife with a family on Long Island, I am including them in my celebration of another year of ups, down, tears, laughter and joy.

            Deep down every time I hear a bell during Christmas, I know it isn’t Clarence the angel, but rather all the angels that have touched my life. Keep that in mind when the hustle and bustle of the holidays begin to wear on you. I guarantee it will put a smile on your face and pep in your step.

            Have a very Merry Christmas. It truly is a wonderful life.

Giving Thanks

Giving Thanks

                As children, we were taught to say please and thank you as a matter of good manners. Then aw we get older, thanks takes on a more meaningful role beyond being polite, it’s about giving thanks. Thanksgiving became an official Federal holiday in 1863, when, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." It seems appropriate President Lincoln enacted this holiday given the brutality and carnage suffered on American soil as Americans took up arms against one another. At the end of the Civil War, there was much to be thankful for as our country's union was once again whole.

Since then there have been many conflicts on the world stage. However, Thanksgiving is the one holiday when we step back and give thanks for our past, present and future with family and friends. For me, Thanksgiving is filled with memories of good food, jokes and stories shared with my parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and family friends. I often smile when I think of the spirited conversations about the state of the world with a few embarrassing funny moments shared by relatives. The levity of those years reminds me of when life was a bit lighter.

When I got married and had my own family, we made our own family traditions. My late husband and son were at the center of what I was thankful for. They added color, life, love, levity, warmth and comfort to my life and the sense of security I felt growing up. We had our own traditions and now that my dear husband is gone, I am making new traditions with my son, daughter-in-law and new found friends here in Virginia. My friends from New York will always be a part of my life and will likely venture to Virginia to share their Thanksgiving Day with me.

Thanksgiving was born of a turbulent time in our history and that’s something to keep in mind if you find yourself arguing over small things such as who is going to make the turkey or dressing. We need to honor those who gave their lives and fought to reunite our fractured country. We owe it to them.

Thanksgiving happens at the right time before we get pulled into the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. It’s the moment we can take a breath, enjoy good food, and watch football, gossip around the kitchen table. More importantly, we should take time to remember those who aren’t with us there physically, but are never far away from our thoughts and hearts. Though it can be sad at times, it’s a true blessing to know they’ll live on in our hearts. Initially, it will bring out tears that will turn to happiness as we walk down memory lane of all the special times we had together. It’s a warm blanket around our hearts to soothe and let us know that everything will be all right.

I encourage you to keep that in mind while you plan the menu. Include some oldies but goodies from your mother or grandmother’s recipes for a taste of the past. Also try something new on the menu to add a bit of je ne sais quoi. Most of all don’t give in to feelings of despair over the people who aren’t here anymore. They’d want you to go on celebrating. While they were next to you at the table, they wanted only the best for you and just because they’re not there physically anymore, they still want you to be happy. With good health, friends and family I have a lot to be thankful for and I am sure you do too.

Happy Thanksgiving all.