Nov 27, 2016

AND THEN...SHE DECIDED TO DECORATE

Christmas has come to Spinster's Hollow.  But first, we have the Thanksgiving report.

I woke up in time for the parade, a damn good cup of coffee, and a mini quiche.  I confess that I was a little bleary-eyed due to the final six episodes of Gilmore Girls that I watched the night before, but I made it through the parade, got the annual goosebumps upon the appearance of Santa, and headed to the kitchen to prepare my little feast.  

Turkey (from the Honey Baked Ham place so that it would taste like ham instead of turkey), mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, Ina's Sagaponak corn pudding, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.  And a pumpkin praline pie that I baked the night before.  It took two hours to futz and chop and sautee and cook and exactly eleven minutes to eat.

While I ate, I watched  You've Got Mail, and then in a fit of inspiration decided to watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation while I contemplated a turkey sandwich (turkey, mayo, salt and pepper, and celery sticks on Pepperidge Farm white bread, aka a Siggie Special).

Can I just tell you that watching that movie was probably the smartest decision I've made in a very long time?

When Stewey died, I pretty much decided that I was just going to go to bed and wait for this year to be over.  I figured if I played my cards right, I could completely ignore everything about Christmas and the holidays in general and just wake up some time next April.

But as I sat there watching Clark and all of his tomfoolery, it occured to me that I love Christmas.  Always have.  And so did Stewey.  But the last four years or so have been one big fat fail in the festivity department, and I allowed myself to bah humbug my way through December because I didn't have the time or energy or money or family or spirit to decorate or shop or cook or plan or enjoy.

Pardon my French, but this year as I watched Clark grit his teeth and declare that the Griswolds were going to have a fun old fashioned family Christmas, I stood up, brushed the pie crumbs off of my eighteen year old sweatshirt and declared $@&!* on myself.  I declared $@&!* on anybody convincing me not to celebrate Christmas this year because I don't have the time or energy or money or family or spirit to decorate or shop or cook or plan or enjoy and I put my shoe and socks on and I pulled the car out of the garage and spent the next three days blaring Christmas music and decorating my house.

Outside AND inside this year, thankyouverymuch.  I haven't decorated the inside of my house for Christmas since 2012.  And you know what?  That's just $@&!*.

So tonight as I was finishing up the tree, I looked at Stewey's little box and told him that I miss him like crazy and still reserve the right to bawl my eyes out every time I think about him not being here, but that he would probably love this year's effort because it is the perfect combination of elegant and whimsical...just like he was.  The tree is sporting his top hat and white feather boa and the big white wall of nothingness has a few freashly framed pieces that I'll send off to be properly done next year.

I'm absolutle exhausted and will probably pay for all of this with bad kidney numbers next week, but for now I'm just going to sit here in the glow of the lights....happy that I was able to get started with what I hope will be a wonderful holiday this year.  I know I'm still going to have my days and I know I probably won't be able to get out of bed tomorrow, but for the first time in a long time...I almost feel like things just might work out OK after all.

Full pictures tomorrow in the daylight.  For now, though, I will leave you wil a pic of my very favorite part of it all:


62 comments:

  1. Good for you! Enjoy the $@&!* out of Christmas! And Stewey will watch and enjoy it with you! Lots of hugs to you.

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  2. You go girl! Stewey is proud of you. Yes, he is watching you from over the Rainbow Bridge and approves your decorations and Christmas spirit.

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  3. Good for you. Let the light and spirit of Christmas fill your heart and home.

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  4. I am so glad you are back, I have been missing you and your adventures. How is your Angel coming along? I cannot wait to see her again. ����

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  5. Yeah! Yippie! Hoorah!
    Blessings Baa

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  6. You've got mail is one of my favorites! I admire you.

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  7. Love You've Got Mail. And Christmas Vacation!! 2 good movies good f I e the heart and soul!!! Go girl!! $@&!* is the CJ we know and love, and the one Master Stewey did Too!

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  8. Love this post! You go, girl - and don't forget that it's perfectly fine to use that right to cry. However, I'm sure Stewey is proud of you and loves his tree.

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  9. I hope Christmas brings you sparkly snow and hot cocoa with marshmallows and cozy slippers and sappy movies and sequins and poinsettias and carols and twinkling lights and all the holiday magic you desire.

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  10. Nothing Like a Spinster on A Mission! You are an inspiration. Many hugs from CH as always.

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  11. I have 5 little grandchildren (ages 1-7) and I am ashamed to say that I haven't decorated for Christmas since the before the youngest one was born.(thought i was too darn busy) Thanks to your inspiration, Coni---well now, THAT IS GONNA CHANGE!!! Granny is decorating this year!! Let's have ourselves a Merry Christmas!

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  12. So happy for you. What choice do we really have but to go forward in the midst of the hard times. Wishing you peace and happiness always.

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  13. Good for you, Coni! I look forward to seeing your holiday décor. Love the top of the tree and know Stewey would give it his approval. How is Vaceila coming along? Thinking of you!

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  14. This wonderful holiday report brought joy to my heart today!!!!

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  15. A giant hug for you. May these times bring the joy to you that you give us.

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  16. Stewey would definitely approve. Go go go!

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  17. Yeah for you!!!! A friend always tells me to pull up my big girl panties. And boy are mine BIG girl panties. Praying that you have a Merry and Blessed Christmas. You truly honor Mr. Stewey. You Go Girl!!

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  18. Such a cheery post! I'm proud of you. I have ornaments (several, maybe) for each pet I've ever had during my adult years. We hang them every year, and I cry while doing it sometimes as I remember and miss my four legged furries. Your tree looks perfect, and I'm sure Stewey is smiling down on it and you.

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  19. Good for you. I know it is not typical Christmas viewing, but now that you have the house to your liking, get the house all cozy with a fire one night, make a hot beverage and watch Mr. Poirot's Christmas and Murder on the Orient Express with David Suchet. They are both on Netflix if you have that service.

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  20. Awesome post Coni...you are one strong lady! Stewey is smiling Mo-ther ❤️ Can't wait to see the daylight pics...

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  21. So glad to read this! That silly movie is a yearly event for me along with Planes Trains and Automobiles. I hope you have a very special Christmas.

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  22. I read your blog with a great big grin. You go girl!!!!

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  23. Good for you, hope things continue on a positive note.

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  24. :) l love your tree and I am looking forward to your photos :)

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  25. Glad you decided to decorate.
    Can't wait to see more pics.
    Stewey would want it that way.
    Take care.
    Marilyn

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  26. Merry Christmas Coni! Stewey would approve. May I suggest adding Home Alone series and White Christmas to your movie list... and perhaps stitching something Christmasy if you need a break from all that beading on Vaceila

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  27. Oh Coni, I knew, I just knew you could do this. You will have your moments, they will sneak up on you when you are least expecting them, but look at you now!! I hope you have a lovely Christmas - exactly what Stewey would have wanted for you. Much love Irene xxx

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  28. Wonderful spirit! I love the top hat and boa...way to go Coni. I still cry for my Sherlock and that was 2005! Stewey will always be with you in your heart.

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  29. Great post!!! Loved every word. Thinking of you and Stewey. Hugs to a courageous friend and great blogger

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  30. YEAH!!!! There is a Santa. Honest. And your tree is absolutely gorgeous. It's going to be a fabulous Christmas. Enjoy every second. Stewey is so proud of you right now.

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  31. Absolutely love the picture! Love, hugs & prayers, Cathryn

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  32. Can't wait to see the rest of your decorations. You are a inspiration.

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  33. Yay Coni! It's going to be a terrific holiday!!

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  34. Brava ~ Leave it to you, dear one, to corral us all into
    the holiday stream of lighting up the world for Christmas.
    Proud of you and so is Stewey. What an inspiration you
    are to all of us. Pardon me while I pull up my Big girl
    panties and get started on the scheduled-for-today chore
    of interior Christmas decorating. You have made it sound
    so doable. Your tree is an elegant treat..Bless you,Coni~

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  35. I love seeing this so much. As, I'm sure, does sweet Stewey. I'll add a few extra things in your honor this year. Much love.

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  36. $&@! Yeah! Sometimes what you put in is what you get out. Wishing you peace and happiness.

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  37. Stewey is so PROUD of his Mo-ther! and so am I! Good that you got it done as the spirit hit you. I may just try your idea and watch my fav, Christmas Vacay, too. Maybe the same energy will hit me!! So happy you are having some good days!!

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  38. I am so glad you decided to decorate for Christmas! The tree looks great. Looking forward to seeing more photos of the festive house, inside and out. Stewey is smiling down on you.
    Carolyn

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  39. Excellent news! Now could you come and do all that decorating at my house??? 😉

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  40. So glad you are feeling better. I can't wait to see the decorations!

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  41. You are brilliant Coni and I love your tree. xx

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  42. I'm so glad to read that you not letting the funky mood take over your life. Of course you will still have ups and downs. Just have to make the most of the ups. Look forward to seeing your festive decorations.

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  43. The best way to handle the loss is to go on, I know it is very difficult now and will be for a while. Everytime you will touch a toy or look at his bed you will cry, but one day you will smile ( mixed with tears) and then one day just the smile and remember the love. I don't quite have the "go" to decorate yet just at the thinking stage, you tree is wonderful.

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  44. How wonderful, Coni. I'm proud of you for just"doing it!" Stewey would be so proud of you! Merry Christmas!

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  45. Good job Coni! Stewey is happy you're celebrating and he's sending you strength to get thru this. Looking forward to seeing all your hard work.

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  46. Good for you! Your tree is perfect! I hope when the day comes for my to say good bye to my old girl that I handle myself exactly like you do. xo

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  47. The best thing you could have done in remembrance of your baby! Well done!

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  48. What a great idea! I am sure your house looks awesome and amazing!

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  49. Perfect topper for your tree! The rest of the tree and your whole house looks properly festive, I'm sure.

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  50. Oh good for you the house looks festive and the tree beautiful Stewey would love it

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  51. What an absolute perfect topper for your tree!

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  52. This brought tears to my eyes, Coni. I am proud of you! Love and hugs.

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  53. So happy that you have the Christmas spirit!! You are one tough gal. :) What I can see of your tree looks so beautiful; I am sure that Stewey would love it. Merry Christmas to you.

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  54. Always ALWAYS decorate for yourself even if no one will be able to see it but you! LOVE that hat on the tree! Stewey would be proud of you!

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  55. This post makes me very happy Coni! My Dad died seven weeks ago and this Christmas will be emotion-packed for me too but that's no reason to not find the joy.xxxx

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  56. This is wonderful! Yay, you, Coni! That's the spirit. I am sure Stewey is enjoying your decorating just as much and is so happy for you. I sure am. Happy Christmas to you.

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