White Christmas Redux

I am usually on time getting my weekly blog out, but this week has been difficult. Getting the normal things done has not been simple this holiday season. During my last three seasons of cheer, after losing my husband and my mother, I tried to go slow, take things easy, remember, and enjoy family and friends. This year I have gone into high gear with parties, trips planned, dinners, etc. It is probably because I was down for two months with my ankle injury, and several months after, with the job of getting back my foot strength. Maybe turning 70 helped with my resolve to enjoy the 2024 Christmas festivities. Perhaps I’m just done with my grieving process.

Last night, a friend and I attended our town’s local theater production of “White Christmas.” What a delight! If you live anywhere near Santa Rosa try to see this. They are playing until December 22nd at the 6th Street Playhouse. For those of us saturated with the original movie over the years, we still laughed and clapped and enjoyed. I told the youngsters in front of me that I apologized, ahead of time, just in case I broke out in White Christmas during the appropriate scene. Not to worry. The cast had us all singing before the scene was over.

The only moment I made a snarky remark was when the character, Phil Davis, appeared on stage. Originally played (movie version) by Danny Kaye, last night’s Phil did not have Mr. Kaye’s red hair. But he and the cast were so entertaining that I soon forgot about whose hair was red and whose wasn’t. By the way, last night’s character, Betty, had flaming red hair (not blonde.)

I found myself, through the laughter and smiles and singing, several times, becoming weepy and wet-faced. Yes, I was crying, a little, but only because I was having sweet memories.  

My husband, Dominic, insisted on watching our little DVD of White Christmas at least twice during the season. For twelve years we repeated this tradition. As part of the tradition, five minutes into the movie, Dominic would fall fast asleep. He always had trouble sleeping so I would not disturb him by getting up or trying to turn the DVD off. Watching the video, uninterrupted, 24 times (at least) helped me, last night, to sing all of the song, “White Christmas” word for word. It also started the dripping of the leaky faucets in my eyes. That is what I call a bittersweet moment – an important part of the holidays, don’t you think?

I will be producing one more blog before Christmas. If you are too busy, and miss it, please accept my warm wishes for a Merry Christmas (or Happy Channukah). Also, know that the stress, the hustle bustle, and the sad moments are all a part of this time of year. You are not alone in your low moments. We are all dealing with our own inner emotions. That means you are normal. We can all survive and thrive.

You Are Important!

National Suicide Prevention Hotline

1-800-273-8255

Veteran’s Crisis Hotline

Dial 988 & then press 1

Text 988 or 8382255

You Are Not Alone!