5 more days until Christmas.
Not that our family has any big plans. Our Christmas has changed over the years, in some ways good, in some others, not so good. Now, a group of our family (sister, niece, cousins) gets together and visits a homeless shelter in the morning. We bring coats, blankets, socks, new underwear and a bagged lunch to a men's shelter down in Toronto, Ontario. We choose the men's shelter because we think women's shelters get more attention this time of year. The guys appreciate it. We have been doing it for 3 years now.
After the shelter l will visit with my brother and his girlfriends family for a bit, then l am heading to a friends. Our family seems to be spending less and less time together during the holidays. One thing l've learned is things change, traditions seem to go to the wayside unless there is an enforcer. Someone committed to keeping the traditions together. Our family doesn't have that anymore.
4 more days until baking for the homeless
It's just simple cookies and banana bread, but the guys appreciate the homemade stuff. I don't think they get much of it. One year a guy asked us if we had any fruit, he was vegetarian and the shelters didn't have anything as simple as fruit for him to eat. So now we always include mandarin oranges or apples in the bags, as well as baked goods, and a sandwich.
3 more days until l pick up my van
It's certified and emissions tested. Insurance is on it. I just need to licence it and plate it to take it home. Of course, l have to actually fly home first.
2 more days until l am home, sleeping in my own bed
Ah, the little things. Sleeping in your own bed. It's nice being home in your own space after being on the road. I miss my cats, and can't wait to see them. Flying out on Thursday morning, and will be home in time for dinner.
1 more day left of work (after today) in 2011
Now that is nice! Music to my ears. Although, being in El Paso, it sure doesn't feel like Christmas. It's too warm to what l am used to being at the Christmas time if year. I wonder what it's like in Australia at Christmas, it's their summer after all. Not a bad gig l guess, imagine all those days off in the summer. How cool would that be?
What a cool countdown. And the van is an excellent Christmas present to yourself too :)
ReplyDeleteI like reaching out to others for the holidays. My family is still so steeped in tradition it practically chokes me. But attend I will - makes Mom happy.