So . . . what did you all get for Christmas? And why, or why not? And why, as we age, do we want, more and more, for Santa Claus to be real? Are we so shallow that by being plied with gifts our loyalties could be so easily bought, hopes so easily aroused, neural pathways so deeply etched?
I got nothing. We agreed. I am left with no new camera, and no new guitar. My old guitar--and I'm down to one acoustic guitar now--which I purchased in 1972, is finally starting to warp. After all these years of abuse, it is now slowly but surely becoming unplayable.
It's OK. I am still very lucky. Sure I am adrift in a world sans Santa after having spent my childhood a mere victim of exuberant post-war marketing, but I have my health. Didn't that used to piss you off when old people told you that? Little did we know, mainly because we had all those toys, perhaps.
I'll probably buy another guitar before too long. I'm too used to having one around. They never lie hidden in the case at my house. My Alvarez is hanging on a guitar stand so I can pick it up and play it any time I walk by if I want. I have been doing that for decades. My playing is surprisingly amateurish.
A small electric kettle to boil water quickly for tea. I love it and it was a perfect gift... my other daughter got me a big mug with donuts on it that says “I donut care,” which is also perfect. That’s all.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Roy! May it not suck.
M. and I don't exchange gifts. Such a relief. The kids did though, very thoughtful, personal gifts. Can't imagine you without a guitar, a blog, and a camera.
ReplyDeleteI don't do Christmas presents, because I'm broke and because I'm sick of the whole charade. I like a good midwinter festival with lights and family and food and gifts, but Dec 25 is too soon. Oughta be late January when winter is really setting in. But you can't fight the calendar any more than you can the weather, so my lady and I zested some lemons from my tree, got some vodka and empty bottles, and made lemoncello. We haven't tried it yet but we hear it's good.
ReplyDeleteAnd then my mom and my kids went and got me stuff anyway. It's a humbling but lovely thing.