The Second Day After Christmas

The holidays are over for another year.  Whew.  As with most families, mine is difficult at times, Christmas being no exception.  Why?  That's for the stars and God to answer.  How?  Beats me.  True, year-after-year?  You betcha!  And so started the traditional yultide cheer.

My oldest sister always makes Christmas dinner at her house but insists on serving it when it's dark outside making it impossible for me to come.  Why?  Because I don't do well at long-distance night dirivng on three expressways in wintertime.  One year, as I was driving home at 10:30 PM, my car hit a patch of black ice and swerved about 90 degrees as it slid sideways.  That was on expressway number one, and I've never forgotten the panic in my heart, sure I'd be a goner any second.

That was three years ago.  So, now, much to the chagrin of my family, I refuse to drive at night-Christmastime or not. This year, my sister begrudgingly (according to my Mom) relented and agreed to serve dinner at 2 PM. Mom said, in a tone that resembled a warning by Medusa, "She said ok, but she's not happy about it.  Heavy. Ominous.  Are we having fun, yet? 

With that, I felt about as welcomed as Bambi entering a lion's den.  Still, I wrapped and baked and packed and stayed up 'til 2:00 AM putting last-minute touches on all my gifts and goodies.  But when I awoke, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter; when what to my wandering eyes should appear but an ice storm outside and pellets of pouring rain, my dear!

So I rang-up my sister and explained I couldn't drive in such torrents.  She was less than pleased but said ok and decreed dinner would be served at 2 PM just the same.  I watched as the rain continued all day but happened to peruse Craig's List and saw a community dinner being offered in a nearby town.  Hmm, sounds interesting.  Why not?  Got dressed, took my new pup and drove (in the rain) to Tecumseh High where I experienced what felt like straight out of A Christmas Carol.

An all-volunteer crew putting on the nicest dinner I'd ever seen.  Tables in the cafeteria were all decorated with red Poinsettas and lighted snow-scene centerpeices.  Turkey casserole, homemade mashed potatoes, corn, stuffing, apple, cherry and fresh fruit pies, oranges, apples and plums filled the air with the sweet smells of holiday cheer.  Volunteers helped pour apple juice, tea and coffee and get everyone settled and comfy as we enjoyed our feasts.

It was called, Beulah's Christmas Dinner as she was the mother of the lady who organized it this year.  She left an endowment to do good in the community, and her daughter (a local elementary school principal) chose to sponsor a Christmas dinner for the lonely or anyone who wanted to partake of this charitable meal.  And, many people did.  There were families, kids, couples and single folks, like myself, there.  The food was delicious, fellowship friendly and hospitable.  I couldn't've experienced a nicer Christmas meal.  (And was given four more to take home!)

Back at the ranch. . . .my middle sister said there was tension in the air. And, the day after Christmas, my oldest sister's birthday, (I know, a double header and hard to take when you're not into sports) she said was even worse as some of the relationships are fraught with hostility & angst.  My inner knowing sensed this and felt relieved to withdraw this year.  Yes, I was alone.  Yes, I felt moments of isolation and loneliness, yes, even sparks of self-pity, here and there.

What I didn't feel was tension.  Or anger.  Or grief.  True, I spent Christmas with a cafeteria of strangers.  But oh what warm and welcome feelings I felt.  People smiled and shook my hand, thanked me for coming, gave me food, Poinsetta plants and bags-full of fresh fruit to take home and enjoy.  The true spirit of Christmas touched my heart even though it wasn't spent with my family-of-origin.  Rather, my family-of-life. 

And, after all, isn't that what the true spirit of Christmas is really about?