I should be working: menial tasks of cleaning around the house, grading papers for University #1, course developing for University #2, more decluttering and organizing work, etc., etc., ad nauseum. Plainly said with emphasis, I don’t wanna. Not now, at least.
Today, on this first day of the New Year 2024 (can you
believe it), I gave myself a delightful surprise. When I woke up this morning
(sans alarm), I realized the dogs should go outside before I take a shower and
get ready for the day...Lord knows I have no time for a dog accident to clean
up. With bathrobe and slippers on, I called the dogs to come (which they
usually do gratefully). We have a night light on the stair landing, so I didn’t
turn other lights on. The delightful surprise was that upon reaching the bottom
of the stairs, I realized I’d left the Christmas tree lights on all night.
There was our tree, blazing in glorious colorful lights and shiny ornaments. It
caused me to stop and remember that today is not just another day. I believe
every day should be special like that. It also reminded me of Christmas
mornings when I was a kid. As soon as we woke up, we’d run to the Christmas
tree. It was always lit up with a bunch of presents under it. What a lucky kid
I was!
I’m leaving things decorated until next weekend. Some people
retire their decorations as early as Christmas Day, but people like me (who
decorate in middle of December), are not quite ready to see it all go. Once
Christmas is gone, the dreariness of winter takes over. It’s OK, I’m not a
person who gets depressed in winter. The cold winter can be a wonderful time
for adventure because the snakes are hibernating and it’s easier to see the
poison ivy. The woods can be magical in winter, especially when there are
icicles hanging off the cliffs and there are animal tracks in the snow.
This morning, because I took time to admire our humble tree,
I noted that we have several ornaments of ballet dancers and ballet shoes. When
I was young, tap dancing was my thing…I could write a whole blog post about those
experiences. I was definitely never into ballet, but for some reason, all my
kids wanted to do ballet. Emily, especially, was very good at it. I took the
girls to see The Nutcracker nearly every Christmas. Who couldn’t love the music
and costumes?
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Miss Catherine’s parents took her to see The Nutcracker in Lexington. There was a shortened performance just for young children, perfect for Catherine’s first live performing arts experience. In advance of the big night, Sarah showed her YouTube videos of ballet dancers. She quickly caught on to the concept of dancing (spinning, leaping, kicking) and ballerina girls. At the tender age of two, she was completely thrilled by the theater and performance…perhaps a little bit too thrilled. From what Sarah told me, it sounds like she wanted to participate rather than sit and watch. Catherine became so disruptive that they left the theater very early in the first half. Well, that happens with toddlers. It was an experiment. For Christmas, Santa brough Catherine a leotard and slippers so that she can pretend to be a ballerina.
Catherine might get to take a pre-school dance class next year. Oh, but it is next year! It’s more accurate to say that she might get to take a class later this year! 😊That might be a very good way for Sarah to spend time with the new baby while Catherine is busy learning to make friends, stand in a line, take turns, listen, and follow instructions. Those are all good things for young children to learn.
