Strained Holiday

Like so many people, during the holiday season – this one in particular – I get stressed out. I like having my makeup and hair done when company arrives (even if it’s just family). I like having wine decorked and appetizers ready to be enjoyed. I’ve been trying these past few years to give myself plenty of time to achieve these goals. Sometimes I do great and other times, like this Christmas, I fail miserably. Thankfully that same family that I try to impress is at the ready to entertain each other. Mom isn’t missed all that much.

This year was different in that my mother-in-law Saralyn wasn’t around. She died on Dec. 8 and, in fact, her funeral is this week – further straining my already fraught nerves. I am writing this prior to her funeral while also putting the finishing touches on those things that I want to get done, that I promised would be “no problem” to finish. Of course, typically there aren’t any problems to deal with and indeed it is no problem to do these things. But, as is the case with Murphy’s Law (I’m Irish, remember?), the simplest of tasks seem to loom large and be in danger of not getting done. In ride my friends to the rescue – which is additionally helpful considering that I’m not yet driving (knee surgery on Dec. 13 has temporarily benched me).

Mary O’Keefe scooped up the thumb drive that held information I needed printed – immediately (of course) – and got them to Office Depot to get that chore checked off my “to do” list.

That gave me the time I needed to go over photos of the winning homes for this year’s Merry and Bright Holiday Light and Display Tour. (They’re listed on pages 8-9 of this week’s issue.) I hope you set aside an evening to drive around and check out the winning addresses.

While I offer congratulations to the winners, I have to say that this year’s offerings were truly fantastic. The level of creativity is awe-inspiring. It makes me very excited for next year.

I also want to thank the sponsors that helped make this tour possible. Their support was invaluable. Supporters include Glendale Area Schools Credit Union, CV Water District, C&M Printing, Supervisor Kathryn Barger, the YMCA, Assemblymember Laura Friedman, Once Upon A Time bookstore, Ace Hardware and Porto’s Bakery. These are the folks and businesses that recognize the value of having hometown events like the Merry and Bright Holiday Light and Display Tour.

And I want to give a shout out to the folks who took the time to decorate their houses. Not only did they share their holiday spirit, they helped bring the spirit about in folks who many not have necessarily felt in the holiday mood.