Count your blessings – remember the good times – be grateful.
For some time now each year when I get my house decorated for Christmas I hold what I call an "At Home". That is I let people know that I will be at home and would welcome them to drop in for a relaxing cup of tea or glass of wine and treats and enjoy my decorations – not that they're anything special, just that they're mine. It's very informal – I just invite people as I run into them at church, bowling, neighbours, etc.
Each year I realized that it may be my last at 'home'. Each fall I have people asking 'are you going to have your drop-in?'
This fall it was questionable, but when people started inquiring I realized I really wanted to do it. I didn't have to do all the cooking, I have a friend who wins prizes for her cookies and squares and sells them to friends for little more than the price of ingredients. Yes she would be glad to help me out. And I could have someone in to help clean the house.
So I made my gumdrop cake, my mincemeat tarts, my cherry balls, and 'nuts the bolts', and began spreading the word 'I'll be home Dec 10, please drop in.' Monday Seelerman and I had 30 people drop-in to our small house. Sitting or standing, chatting and laughing, having a glass of wine with cheese and crackers, or a cup of tea in a fancy cup and saucer – a good time was had by all.
Seelerman helped mainly with answering the door and looking after coats for people coming and going. Two good friends busied themselves with passing out plates of cookies or making tea – others gathered empty cups or glasses and brought them to the kitchen. Not everybody came once of course but most came during the afternoon between two and five. Then we had a short break, a bowl of homemade soup (I had made plenty in case someone dropped in on their way home from work, but this year we were alone for an hour and a half). In the evening we had three people drop in. We had a great relaxing quiet visit after the hubbub of the afternoon. All in all we had a wonderful time – and I hope to do it again next year.
I was stiff and sore the next day but it was worth it.
Remember the good times.