Do you hear that? The faint, jingle, jingle in the distance?
Can it be?
The calendar clearly says December, but not that week.
The Thanksgiving holiday is behind us, and all the stores and malls strained the senses with repetitive carols, flashing lights on trees, Christmas shoppers, and a sense of urgency.
(Photos courtesy of Ian Marwick)
But, a quiet calm has settled in the park the past weeks.
Still, there is that jingling.
There is a hum as everyone begins to add color to their unit — the red of flowers and berries, the greens of pine and fir, and the rainbow colors of lights on the eaves and windows.
Even the odd ugly sweater sporting winter themes is showing up on our evening walkers. Yes, maybe we should hear that faint jingle.
Thanksgiving capped the November festivities as usual in our rec hall. Our stalwart, Toni Fisher, who always seems to be anyplace where volunteering is needed, again did a fantastic job with her crew. Decorating, preparation, cooking, carving and cleanup was shared by Eleanor Rajewski, Linda Jenkins, Joann Bowers, June Blackman, Fran Boetcher, Carmen, and Rick Carrey and Bill. .
The only complaint was they ran out of mashed potatoes, “again.” Bill Wellivere suggested everyone next year bring two potatoes, unmashed, in their pocket just in case.
Our first “Christmas Sale” of crafts and other items, which is open to the public, will be at the rec hall off Allen Road, on Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also on that evening, our annual “Christmas Party,” with Santa sneaking out on Mrs. Claus for a little Christmas cheer, will help our residents do the same.
In the past, some hilarious moments and gifts kept the party rolling. Expect the same this year, especially if you are lucky enough to pull a great gift out of the anonymous gift bag or maybe even more amusing, if you’re unlucky.
Neighborhood parties spring up, open houses, smiling faces and warm greetings fill the air. The annual “Carol Sing” always brings this warm feeling to our residents while they roam the park on the evening of Dec. 19. This ad hoc choir always consists of members of the Happy Days church choir, sundry amateur divas, sing-in-the-shower tenors, and yes, even frog-throated amateurs.
This almost brings us to the special week — Christmas week. We will all be preparing in our own way as this draws near. May the joy of the coming weeks fill you with the love of family and friends.
And, of course, may the batteries on all your iPads and phones hold their charge!
by Ian Marwick (the happy scribe)
Published December 9, 2015
