Editorial Column: Christmas Giving and Getting

 — by Margie Doyle —

What I Got:

•  A reminder from Lin that a simple “click” can really help somebody else — no heroic gestures needed;
• The first Christmas eggnog with whiskey, hot water and nutmeg, after a long drive from Anacortes;
• Watching the final series of a TV drama until 2 in the morning with my “girls;”
• The researched history of my grandfather’s rise and fall in the world of business between the ages of 27 – 33, his intelligence and arrogance, from my sister’s genealogical research;
• My invalid brother’s name for his new, grouchy, roommate – “Cubby;” my brother’s nickname is “Grubby” and he loves to make up names and personalities for his small, bed-ridden world;
• My daughter’s tone-setting comment, “This is it,” as the Christmas celebration with “the girls” settled into a simple salad and pasta meal at home, making Boxing Day crowns together.
• Learning to use a glue gun – new technology!
• A long conversation in the village store with my new neighbor and recognizing a “soul sister;”
• Having a heart-to-heart talk with my sharp-tongued (funny), competitive (enthusiastic), controlling (caring, responsible) sister and realizing we share more than our history, how there are two sides to every quality, and that love is the solution;
• Walking the long dock with my grandson on a sunshiny Christmas Day, joining him in “patting the sky into place” (exercises);
• Letting my son cook the turkey and gravy – with oranges! — and having the best turkey dinner ever, well since Thanksgiving;
• A walk out of the hot kitchen into the dark, holy night to see the stars.

What I Gave:

• Time, sympathy and the suggestion of prayer for an incurable medical condition;
• Solidarity with my brother on not being able to talk so we can be understood;
• A trip down memory lane and favorite meals with a Dick’s cheeseburger and chocolate milk shake;
• A walk with my daughter through the neighborhood to see the fantastic duck display of “12 Days of Christmas,” and a “Gift of the Magi” solution to one of her challenges;
• Getting the tablecloth, wine glasses, silverware, candles, golden fruitcake, plum pudding (too bad I spilled the brandy to ignite it before serving)  and Christmas crackers to add to the good food and drink at the Christmas table;
• Holding down the dishwashing line in a little kitchen with no dishwasher, as the cooking shifts continually rotated in and out;
• The gift of peace — no drama — as ferries were missed, cars broke down, plans changed;
• A walk out of the hot kitchen into the dark, holy night to see the stars.