Here we are in the middle of the holiday season, and kudos to the families and municipal crews who brighten our community with lights of many colors. We are so lucky to live where pride and high standards prevail. And isn’t it a blessing to feel our spirits rise?

It’s hard not to think of Christmases past as I enjoy events and festivities this year.

Growing up, we hung bubble lights on the tree and then ran outside to look back at the tree through the picture window to ensure everything was balanced. We would then individually hang hundreds of silver foil icicles on the tree branches.

Christmas was such a busy time when I was a young wife and mother. Shopping for presents, wrapping, decorating, entertaining, candy making, and searching for a Santa to visit the house on Christmas Eve kept this rural woman engaged.

Years later, I don’t buy presents because I don’t know what anyone needs or likes. Cash is my go-to if I want to witness a big smile and hear, “Thank you, Grandma!”

Changes throughout the years are most noticeable at Christmas. When we are young, vital, and energized, we can bring out the decorations stored away in boxes and totes, and we love making the house festive for family and friends. Today, I have two totes and contemplate dragging them into the house and putting non-seasonal items away so there is a place for precious ornaments. All the time, knowing what goes up must come down.

Maybe past Christmases wore us out. I remember hauling thirty-eight packed totes from a storage unit into the Old Library and up the stairs. The decorating process took three days of concentrated hauling, packing, moving, ladder climbing, and final exhaustion. Then, a month later, the same task in reverse was required.

As I look back and compare then and now, I am again so thankful for the memories of caroling from a wagon loaded with hay bales, enjoying the peaceful glow of twinkle lights and Christmas treasures, and the thrill of watching my kids run down the stairs on Christmas morning to see what Santa brought.

Seniors have decades of memories. Looking back can make us sad and aware of loss, or it can turn on the switch for smiles and gratitude. Seriously, aren’t we the lucky ones who have lived long enough and healthy enough to relish past times and still have the opportunity to make new and different memories in 2024? Likely, what we do today is not as superb, but I’m writing this, and you’re reading it, so we’re still breathing. Let’s get out there and make more Christmas memories.

These are the days, my friend.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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