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Christmas Morning
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Christmas Morning |
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Ron
Administrator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-05-19
Posts 8669Michigan, US 
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It's almost hard to believe the day has arrived (and, for some, already passed). I guess at certain times in one's life, Christmas can be sneaky that way. Perhaps it's the price paid for early preparation. My return to Michigan three years ago changed many things for me, Christmas being just one. In California, this was always a very busy, very hectic month for me. The early weeks of December were spent preparing for my company's office party, an affair into which I invested a lot of myself. That investment was always amply repaid by heightened spirits and an almost childish delight in surprising my people with something new every year. Shopping for other friends and family was inevitably delayed until at least the 23rd and, too many years, right up until the 24th, resulting in frantic dashes through the many malls, torn between hurrying and finding just the "right" gift. For at least fifteen years, I promised myself next year would be different, next year I would begin earlier. And, instead, every year found me rising before the sun on Christmas morning, knowing I had several hours of wrapping before making the rounds to family and special friends. Christmas didn't sneak up on me in California. It wrestled me to the mat, pinned my shoulders, and always left me laughing in amazement at its unending vitality. Retirement ended the office parties, and Michigan ended my shopping procrastination. My first year here, I discovered the cost of waiting until the last minute was a frozen tush and, except for a few last minute items, most of my shopping was finished in September this year, then relegated to an unused closet to await wrapping. November and December passed quickly, and I was content in the knowledge I was - for the first time in decades - organized and prepared. Unfortunately, in the last few days, I've discovered even that carries with it a price. It just doesn't feel like Christmas without the hectic, last-minute rush. You know what the best thing is about shopping on Christmas Eve? Everyone is happy. In spite of the crowds, in spite of the traffic, in spite of the heavy fear in your gut that you won't find everything before the stores close, there is an almost palpable sense of joy in everyone who crosses your path that night. Christmas cheer is infectious, I think, spreading with every smile and laugh. People who would typically cut you off on the freeway instead sit patiently in parking lots, nodding to you to go through the crowded intersection first. Harried store clerks rush to keep the lines moving and the customers happy, not just because it's their jobs, but because it's Christmas. And each of those lines you stand in is another opportunity to laughingly share shopping-horror-stories with a stranger you would probably ignore any other day of the year. By the time the stores close, you are exhausted. And completely, utterly exhilarated. I know, in the next few years, new traditions will arise in my life to replace the old. If shopping in September is blasé, perhaps it will leave me more time for other, perhaps more spiritual, endeavors. Life changes. And it doesn't take the wisdom of Solomon to know we, too, must change. Yet, even amidst the changes, there are some things that remain the same. With fewer people to visit this year, I felt no need to rise with the sun, but I nonetheless have a whole closet full of gifts yet to wrap. I suspect I'll find a few things, stuffed into corners, I've completely forgotten. And as I wrap each gift for each special person in my life, I know I will smile with the anticipation of their smile when they unwrap it. That, at least, need never change. I will spend most of my day with family, albeit a different sister than in California, and after a Christmas dinner cooked just the way my mother would have cooked it, I'll stop and visit a few special people before returning home. Christmas, after all, is just another way to say "I love you, I appreciate you," and that too need never change. And when I finally return home tonight, probably tired, undoubtedly cold, I will log into Passions. In California I had scores of friends spread across three counties, a handful in nearby states, and family residing throughout the United States. Today, my friends and family encompass an entire world. They are spending their Christmas in Massachusetts to the East, Arizona and California to the West, Florida to the South, even Canada to the North (and there ain't much else north of me), and just about every other place on this continent between those distant points. Some are close, right here in Michigan or dotted throughout the Midwest, while others are much, much farther away. They are in England, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Singapore, Korea, and other countries I would need to look up on a map. Some few I've met, some few I've yet to meet, and so many I will never see face to face. They are every bit as important to me, every bit as real, as those friends I left in California. Though spread across an entire globe, they are a part of me. And just as in years past, they are the ones to whom I want to say "I love you, I appreciate you, I wish you a Merry Christmas." And they, of course, are you. |
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Tramp Poet Senior Member
since 2000-01-06
Posts 754Could Be Anywhere... |
hey Ron, just wanted to say Merry Christmas to you as well! And to add the heartfelt appreciation of these forums you have created! I too feel that these are my dear friends as well as my peers...and in that spirit, I wish and pray everyone the Merriest of Christmas' and the very best of New Years! "What greater gift can one give, other than a gift of oneself?" Thank you, Ron and all our friends of "Passions"! bleeding... "Tis ink coming from his arm, Captain!" |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
Ron, you said it perfectly. While young and old are napping after filling up on food and festivities, I find myself drawn to the computer to touch base with my friends around the world. I wish you all happiness and a rampant muse! It's been a grand year and you all have made me a richer, better human being...thank you. And Ron, because of you, I found the 'me' that was lost for so many years. Thank you - I love you! |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
merry xmas!!  i relate..there seems to be something in the air around christmas and working in a cafe this holidays, i think i get what you mean by service stuff trying so hard to please becos its christmas.... |
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Romy Senior Member
since 2000-05-28
Posts 1170Plantation, Florida |
Merry Christmas Ron! Thanks for creating the Passions Forums, it's the best gift ever! |
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Lone Wolf Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842Lansing, MI USA |
Ron, Tough to procrastinate on that Christmas shopping here in Michigan considering there looms a danger of being snowed in this year!! LOL. Glad you made it there and back safely. I am an awful procrastinator too. It isn't always easy to find the "perfect" gift for someone. Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year!!  Without you, we'd all be in the snow without a home for our poetry and feelings. Thank you for that.Lone Wolf Poetry should surprise by fine excess...it should strike the reader as a wording of his own highest thoughts and appear almost a remembrance. -J.Keats |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Ron, I'm still one of those last minute shoppers myself. It makes it more like a sporting event...3 yards to go, 15 seconds on the clock, adrenalin flowing, everything on the line, time for one last play...and you make it! You always do. I feel for those early shoppers who never have the opportunity to experience such joy!! Merry Christmas, Ron. I won't even try to thank you again for all you have done and given us but I think you know how we feel and how appreciative we are. God bless you, sir. |
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WhtDove Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-22
Posts 9245Illinois |
Ron you're such a blessing! Though for some reason I've not been in the 'spirit' this year, hard as I try, but I'm always one of those last minute shoppers. No getting away from that. Just wouldn't be the same without you all, just a great big family I have come to love. Love ya all, and a very Merry Christmas to you all!! BIG CHRISTMAS HUGS RON |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I, of course, would reciprocate and reiterate... ... um... I too was wrapping presents yesterday before I went to deliver them... and this morning... even as I was putting them under my daughter's tree... ...about our special holiday greetings... It's truly great to have such wonderful Passionate friends all around the world. I love each and every one of you without a doubt. Merry Merry Christmas to all.... It's astounding to me when I think of the people I've "met" through this site, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to do so. That couldn't happen without you, Ron - You're the most special of all - my ever dearest friend... Your invaluable friendship enriches my life...Merry Christmas, my dear - WHASKOTL... |
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Trew Member
since 2000-06-10
Posts 365Ottawa, Canada |
Merry Christmas Ron! And Merry Christmas to all of the Passions family. Although it is technically Boxing Day as I write this, my Christmas is just beginning! I really do love this time of year. I guess it is the kindness that exudes from most every person you encounter. That, and the time made for those you love. It is a special time, and I'm glad that I have some new people to share it with. Merry Christmas to all, and the very best in the New Year! Trevor. |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I hope your Christmas was wonderful, Ron, and all my friends from Passions! You have all enriched my life, more than you'll ever know! Denise |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I guess it is never too late to say thank you, and get an early jump on Happy New Year... the gifts YOU have given will continue to give with the lives you have helped change... |
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Cerenity Member Elite
since 2000-02-16
Posts 2637Escondido-California |
Hi Ron, I read this yesterday and it brought such a warm feeling to me but I was in a hurry and could not reply, but your post has been on my mind ever since, I think the reason why is because it ment so much to me that you related to all of us how much you cared about us. You are a very busy man here at passions but not seen much and so for you to tell us how much you care means a great deal and I thank you so much for that, its always nice to know how someone feels and that includes every body even the MAN Hope your holiday was great and have a great New Year, and to all of Passions YOU TOO have fun.Love, Cerenity "God doesn't have to be reminded that we exist. We have to be reminded that He exist!" (Writer Unknown) |
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Jamie Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168Blue Heaven |
I am fairly sure it was Sam Walter Foss who said; "Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man." If the internet is an information superhighway, then Passions is its "house by the side of the road" and you Ron are the friend of man who resides within. Thank You and hope you had a fine Christmas. Jamie Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito. - Virgil. "Yield thou not to adversity, but press on the more bravely". |
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tracie66 Member Elite
since 2000-01-18
Posts 4713Australia |
You know what the best thing is about shopping on Christmas Eve? Everyone is happy. In spite of the crowds, in spite of the traffic, in spite of the heavy fear in your gut that you won't find everything before the stores close, there is an almost palpable sense of joy in everyone who crosses your path that night. Christmas cheer is infectious, I think, spreading with every smile and laugh. People who would typically cut you off on the freeway instead sit patiently in parking lots, nodding to you to go through the crowded intersection first. Harried store clerks rush to keep the lines moving and the customers happy, not just because it's their jobs, but because it's Christmas. And each of those lines you stand in is another opportunity to laughingly share shopping-horror-stories with a stranger you would probably ignore any other day of the year. By the time the stores close, you are exhausted. And completely, utterly exhilarated. Ron so true, I am one of those that is frantically running round at the last minute but like you I LOVE IT  Ron I hope you and your family had a wonderful Christmas and thanks for your wonderful comments here...lovely to read Tracie~ Love is the life of the soul... It is the harmony of the universe |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! You described the hustle and bustle of the last minute rush well Ron. I too, am one of those who thrive under pressure, and enjoy the atmosphere and comeradery of the last minute rush. With Passions, Christmas does not end in one day ... I find it is here all year through. Each and every poem, each genuine response and sentiment is like that wonderful expectant feeling of "what lies beneath the ribbons and bows". Always a treasure-trove of endless gifts of words, of friendships, and of love. You've created this atmosphere Ron, and allowed us all to join in ... and I thank you so very much for this beautiful place. Best wishes for a wonderful New Year! /Kit |
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Severn Member Rara Avis
since 1999-07-17
Posts 7704 |
Ron...getting here very very belatedly... I hope you did have a wonderful christmas...I got to celebrate christmas eve US style this year - a friend has an American father and their family held a christmas eve party. We did the whole decorating the tree on christmas eve, and everyone who came had to put an ornament on the tree - it was HUGE...I have never seen a tree so enormous lol... Here, we put the tree up a couple of weeks before... so - I felt in part like I was experiencing something similar to my US friends... K |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Although I'm a bit late for the Christmas party here I just wanted to take a moment to say thanks for all you've done and for who you are. Your message was touching and the sincerity of it brought a tear to my eyes. Yet another year will soon be ended and many things have changed in my life, but there are some things that will never change no matter how far away my outside life and health problems take me from this place, my heart and loyalty will always remain with passions.Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year What lies behind us and lies before us are small matters compaired to what lies within us. [url] http://www.angelfire.com/pa/OriginalMinds/index.html |
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PhaerieChild Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787Aloha, Oregon |
Ron, I know I am late (as always) but I do want to wish you the best of New Year's and I hope you had a great Christmas. Thank you so much for a place to come to relax, read and post if the spirit moves. The comfort I have received from this site is astounding. Not just spiritually, but in all aspects. You are truly an amazing man. Happy Holidays and can't wait to see what the coming year will bring. Shawna How can you save me? When the dark comes right in and takes me, from my front walk and into bed, where it kisses my face and eats my head. Shivaree |
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Dopey Dope
Moderator
Member Patricius
since 2000-08-30
Posts 11132San Juan, Puerto Rico |
Well i'm late too......but hey......better late than never.......unless we're talkin about death. Anyway......merry christmas to you!  I was born myself, raised myself, and will continue to be myself. The world will just have to adjust. I hate your socks. I'd like to burn them! |
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