Stockholm for the Holidays

Years and years ago I wanted to raise my sense of holiday merriment, I wanted to be a more engaged and present husband/father for my family at holiday times. So I implemented a rule that when I was driving, to work, the store, picking the kids up whatever I would only play Christmas music from Thanksgiving until the end of holidays. That quickly became Yule and Christmas music when I realized there were more songs out there I had not heard. It worked so well, this exposure therapy I prescribed to myself, so well that now it’s not Thanksgiving and for the last couple weeks I have been listening to a “xmas” playlist I made on Spotify. I do love me some Bing Crosby, Sinatra, Elvis and Dean Martin. But I also am enjoying Bruce Springsteen, Maria Carey, Wham, and Billy Mack.

This week I will be listening to that playlist as I work on the prep for our feast of plenty as we give thanks. I have my spreadsheet printed, turkey is thawed, and lots and lots of work the next couple days. All worth it, every minute of it.

My title makes it sound like I brainwashed myself but I think it was more of a purposeful reprogramming from my cynical 20’s. As I near 50 I am glad I did not hold onto that anger and cynicism. It wasn’t helping me or my family.

I’m thankful for my wife, she is a pillar that supports all the heavens in my world. I love her so deeply that no day, hour or minute will go by that her smile will not make it better. I have no idea who I would be without her, but I am sure that man would be less happy.

I am thankful for my children. They are each and everyone of them amazing and complicated, beautiful and strong. My life is made more proud by their existence. I love that they are independent and that I can be there when I can for them if they need help. I miss them as babies and toddlers but I love them as adults that I can share conversation with.

I am thankful for my grandson. We are best friends, it was decided on day one. He is an amazing little guy and I am making sure I hug him, hold him and play with him as much as he can stand while I have the chance.

There are more and more things I could mention. Home and health, love, and bounty. Mostly I am thankful for the family my wife has gifted to me, a family that continues to grow and flourish. No one has ever been more lucky than I am.

See, I can be sentimental and sappy. ;)

Enjoy your week folks, however you are inclined to do so.