Sometimes simplicity is a soothing balm to the ragged heart:
Sunday night my brother, great-nephew, and niece honored a Burkett Christmas tradition—we loaded up the Tahoe and drove around the neighborhoods looking at Christmas lights.
My great-nephew is three years old and is smarter than all of us put together. No kidding, the little scamp can work his I-Pod like it was nothing. I don’t even know how to put my cell phone on vibrate.
As we drove to Fayetteville to marvel over the Lights of the Ozarks, I sat beside Logan in the back seat and laughed at his story about his imaginary friend, Josh, who lives far away at the WalMart in Springdale. On a roll, he then told me he worked at JB Hunt. When I told him I worked just down the street from him and that someday we should do lunch, his giggles melted my heart.
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| Lights of the Ozarks |
Logan and Pa-Pa are great buddies. (Another thing that melts my heart.) Both share the love of music and lights. Rocking out to country-western songs like,”Going Out with My Boots On, and I Like to Move It, Move It”, Logan kept us in stitches and entertained.
On the way home, we honored another tradition—Pet Smart. Pa-Pa often takes Logan to Pet Smart to look at the fish, birds, cats, and snakes. Even though Logan informed me he doesn’t like snakes, he still insists on Pa-Pa lifting him up to gaze into the slimy, slithery snake cage. I asked him what the snake’s name was and without missing a beat he said, “Fooey.”
That Sunday the only thing we spent was time—golden time together doing something as simple as going to the pet shop.
So, if you find yourself depressed over this holiday season and struggling with the insanity of shopping, buying, paying-for, and dealing with Christmas crowds, I recommend taking time out and going to see the lights—or to Pet Smart to visit Fooey the Snake.
What a delightful time! I see you've got your priorities in the right order. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Palooski65, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year's too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a smile-inducing post, Dixie! I had a feeling seeing the lights with your great-nephew would give you a different perspective. Thanks for sharing your joy with the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful perspective, even with Fooey. *shudder*
ReplyDeleteHow sweet. We often forget that the most important, most cherished times in our lives are times we spend with our family and friends. You've created a lasting memory for both yourself and your adorable nephew. That's priceless.
ReplyDeleteWe have the 'light' tradition, too. And, it is a balm to my ragged nerves produced by holiday over-stimulation. Love you voice.
ReplyDeleteLinda Joyce
Ruth - that was a delightful story. I loved it. So precious and so rare in this hustle and bustle of life. Very nice and very very special.
ReplyDeleteRhonda
Jan: Twinkle lights are gifts from the fairies. It's hard to stay depressed when they shine so bright.
ReplyDeleteLinda, snakes aren't my favorite thing, but Fooey has a place in my heart.
ReplyDeleteLinda Joyce, the light tradition is the best!
ReplyDeleteHey Rhonda, nice hearing from you and thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteLuna and Claire: My great nephew is a gift from above and his simple,loving soul is so sweet. Thanks for the comment.
ReplyDeleteJan: Twinkle lights are gifts from the fairies. It's hard to stay depressed when they shine so bright.
ReplyDeleteDixie, you know how to light up any season. I enjoyed reading about the wonderful time you had with your family.
ReplyDeleteWishing you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The fastest way to cure the holiday blues is take a Christmas Lights tour with a child. They can make the wonder of the Christmas season bloom in any heart. Thanks for sharing this wonderful moment in time with all of us.
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