I went out Saturday night. Elaine invited me to join her at The Music Box Theater's annual Santa singalong. They show a double feature, It's a Wonderful Life and White Christmas, all day and between shows, Santa comes out, sits on the organ, and leads the audience in carols.
We had dinner beforehand at a neighborhood deli and I had my first kugel. Then we headed off to the theater.
First they showed my favorite holiday short. I originally saw it on Garfield Goose, which was mandatory viewing with my playground crowd. Hardrock, Coco and Joe was on often, but not every day, during the Christmas season so the suspense and anticipation this little Gal felt was very real. I was thrilled and delighted to see my three old friends again -- and on the big screen!
Then The Big Guy came in for the singalong. It's true! I spent Saturday night in the company of Santa himself!
Yes, I sang. God help me, I sang. I found the confluence of Andy Williams and Santa irresistible.
Lest you think this was a kiddie or family event, it started at 9:45 PM. There were no children in attendance and plenty of beer cans were popped open during this portion of the program.
And then, of course, there was the Frank Capra tale of redemption that gets me every time.
It was after 1:00 AM when Elaine pulled up in front of my building. Before I got out she told me wait, and she produced a Christmas gift bag! An oversized cat mug, almond cookies, and a zen "cat litter" garden for me to rake and play with for "peace and mindfulness."
My second unanticipated Christmas gift of the year! It's not gifts themselves (the bag from Elaine and the blanket from my former coworker) but what they represent that touch me.
I'm struggling right now. I'm learning to adapt to my new, post-work life and doing it during the holiday season has been hard. This time of year is just fraught with emotion. Loved ones who have gone (my mom, my uncle) and the loved one who is fading (Henry) haunt me. I think I'm OK financially, but I don't know. I think I'm getting better physically, but I don't know. I've never been good with things I can't control, and now I'm engulfed by them.
Finding support from unexpected places makes me happy, and I'm grateful.
I'm hopeful that it will be a Merry Christmas after all.
