“Santa Claus is the idea of giving for the sake of giving, without thanks or acknowledgement.”

Christmas is arriving very soon, five days to be precise. I chose, years ago to forgo giving presents to my family. The reaction from my family members was across the board. Some were upset. Others seemed relieved. I got tired of sending gift cards to people because I did not know what they wanted.

No gift giving has giving me a freedom to enjoy the holidays a bit more. I don’t have to try to find a place to park at the mall. I don’t have to deal with tired children and weary parents. I am content to stay away from the craziness this season often causes in all of us. It has allowed me some simpler pleasures.

This year for the first time since Jim died I decorated my little home on wheels. It makes it feel warm and cozy. I feel like I have taken a step forward in the “who I am now” process. I did not go all out but a few small battery run tiny trees with lights and lights around my kitchen window have made me feel like I am celebrating grandly.

Recently I read an article about a little boy being told the truth about Santa. The sentence at the top of this post, is what stuck in my head regarding how the father explained to his son what Santa really means. I like to think I can be Santa Claus all year long. I like the idea of giving for the sake of giving. Instead of doing it now I like to give when I find the perfect little item or card. I hope people enjoy the fact that I think of them and care for them all the time. Sometimes giving means that I hand my spare change or few dollars to the homeless. Giving from the heart, in the moment, is the true freedom of giving without expectation.

I treasure phone  calls from friends and family or when someone sends me an e-mail. It is personal and makes me feel special. Often phone calls come just when I need them. This coming year I would like to commit myself to calling my friends and family more often. They feel cared about and I feel less alone. It may even deepen our relationship. How much fun would that be.

As the season comes to a culmination I am celebrating in my own way, enjoying dinners with friends, wandering the San Diego Zoo during Jungle Nights, attending the Nutcracker, and even watching a live performance of La Traviata from the New York Met at a nearby movie theater with a friend. It is varied and such a lovely way to catch up with friends.

My birth family is approximately 3000 miles away. This year I will have to wave at them across the miles, enjoy their phone calls and watch for their posts on Facebook. Often this is how my family and I have celebrated many Christmases since I headed west in my mid-twenties. Ah this is the price of the adventurer in the family. Although I miss them, I have no regrets about exploring this huge and grand country and stretching my wings.

Christmas this year is in the home stretch. Hopefully most gifts are obtained and wrapped and ready to go. Dinners are planned and celebrations are near the grand finale. I know that I will contemplate a warm and wonderful day with friends. I look forward to enjoying the laughter and joy with Pat and her family. It is good to have good friends. It is even better when good friends are near by and want to include me in their holiday fun.

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays or Happy Hanukkah or Happy Whatever you celebrate. Embrace your family and friends and enjoy the day the week.

Miss Elsie says Meow.