Warden Callaway Posted December 21, 2024 Posted December 21, 2024 For many years Christmas was a big event. School function, many gifts under the tree, big meal, family get-together, parades, TV specials. Now it's just me and Mary and has degenerated to almost a non event. We talked it over and earlier in the week we bought our Christmas gifts. We went to Ace Hardware and Mary picked out a DeWalt drill and impact wrench set that was on sale. Then we went to Tractor Supply and bought a Carhartt coat that was 25% off. Our oldest son, now 54, pines for the old Norman Rockwell Christmas of his youth. But most everyone in gone or half a country away. Mary is going to some efforts to put out a modest lunch tomorrow. He and grown granddaughter will come over. No tree, no gifts, just food. We have a copy of How the Grinch Stole Christmas that we may put on. 4 Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted December 21, 2024 Posted December 21, 2024 My wife and I don't have any kin that we speak to save our daughter, (34, no offspring), and her husband. We get them a few things that they need or might want. Last month I made a new wood bench for our back yard to replace the falling apart old one. A very simple design, just 2X4s and 2X6s painted with deck paint. Our daughter asked for the old one for her yard, but it was so falling apart that I almost didn't need tools to disassemble it. So I made her a similar sized bench constructed like ours. She's very happy with that. For Thanksgiving we just had a turkey loaf, small ham, (they both work for a grocery store and get them free), smashed taters, veggies, rolls and such. No big spread, just enough for the four of us, and will do the same for Christmas. For Christmas Eve., however, I'm making my spaghetti. That's a tradition I started 40 years ago when I used to go home on Leave from The Marine Corps. My adopted Mother in Jacksonville N.C. made a spaghetti sauce so good that I had to try it myself. My Mom had always made it, but Edie added so much to it that made it even better, so when I figured out that I could use Prego as a base for my sauce, my Dad wanted to know what my Mom did with the money that Prego paid her for the recipe. It became a tradition for me to make it for them when I went home on Leave, which was usually Christmas, that it became MY tradition for Christmas Eve. Even though they're long gone, I still make it for my family now. I guess that while we don't do, as Warden said, a Norman Rockwell Christmas, and it's not THAT big of a deal, we still do Christmas. 1 1 Quote
Widder, SASS #59054 Posted December 21, 2024 Posted December 21, 2024 I bought meowndangself some reloading supplies........ nearly $800 worth. I enjoyed going to the local mall and watching people...... particularly younger folks and children. The memories of my youth still supply a lot to my Christmas enjoyment. The saddest part is that in my 73 years of life, this is the first Christmas without my Mom or Dad. But, I have a new little granddaughter and I can't wait to buy her the 1st BB rifle in a few years..... ..........Widder 8 2 Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 21, 2024 Author Posted December 21, 2024 (edited) 1 hour ago, Widder, SASS #59054 said: I bought meowndangself some reloading supplies........ nearly $800 worth. I enjoyed going to the local mall and watching people...... particularly younger folks and children. The memories of my youth still supply a lot to my Christmas enjoyment. The saddest part is that in my 73 years of life, this is the first Christmas without my Mom or Dad. But, I have a new little granddaughter and I can't wait to buy her the 1st BB rifle in a few years..... ..........Widder While in Tractor Supply getting my coat, there was a display of Marlin BB guns. Looked like Dasey made. https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/marlin-lever-action-bb-rifle?srsltid=AfmBOopwbt6dN0qy-qL6_lJ_nsdGHCSIiNcBpnrQFLYWv1vxpYHi0se- Edited December 21, 2024 by Warden Callaway 1 Quote
Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life Posted December 21, 2024 Posted December 21, 2024 (edited) Same here , but this year our son will be here. He is single, so just the 3 of us. We did put up the tree and I put up a few outside lift. Every year our local Safeway has there prime rib on sale. I always buy one (as big as I can get) and cut it up into ribeye steaks and grill the rib section I cut off. We will be have ribeyes for Christmas Day. Edited December 22, 2024 by Big Sage, SASS #49891 Life 2 Quote
John Kloehr Posted December 21, 2024 Posted December 21, 2024 (edited) Strange how Christmas changes. Needed some propane and Tractor Supply has it. Took the empty tank over to the store with her truck so had to grab a tie down from my truck. Grabbed a set of tie downs for her truck on the way to checkout to pay for the propane.. I have a couple other things coming for her but those tie downs will probably end up being most appreciated. Edited December 21, 2024 by John Kloehr 1 Quote
Rip Snorter Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 18 minutes ago, John Kloehr said: Strange how Christmas changes. Needed some propane and Tractor Supply has it. Took the empty tank over to the store with her truck so had to grab a tie down from my truck. Grabbed a set of tie downs for her truck on the way to checkout to pay for the propane.. I have a couple other things coming for her but those tie downs will probably end up being most appreciated. Hopefully it doesn't leave her "fit to be tied"! I was burned in younger days for "useful / practical" gifts! There is still time to save yourself! 1 2 Quote
Sixgun Seamus Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 I am blessed that all three of my kids and their families (6 grandkids ages 6 to 10) are all within 20 minutes from me. We usually get together with my sister, her two kids and their families on Christmas day. The location rotates through the family and we will be at my daughter's house this time. We go to my oldest son's house on Christmas Eve after our church service. Gifts are for the kids and grandkids. The Lord has been good to us and we have what we need. Last year we bought ourselves a S&W FPC 9mm. We haven't really decided what we'll get for ourselves this year. I want to surprise me. Mom has been gone 8 years now and Kay's Mom passed last year so we are officially the old folks. Merry Christmas to all and hope you are as blessed as we are. 2 3 Quote
Calamity Kris Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 We aren't traveling to see the families this year, so it will be just us. Uno put the tree up yesterday, although we aren't likely to decorate it. Too much work. We have a neighbor who won't be going to see their families either so he invited us out to a Japanese restaurant for Christmas dinner, then drinks at their place after. We have some small presents planned for each other, mostly necessary items. That's about it. Simple and low stress. Right now, that's a good thing. 3 Quote
John Kloehr Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 (edited) 1 hour ago, Rip Snorter said: Hopefully it doesn't leave her "fit to be tied"! I was burned in younger days for "useful / practical" gifts! There is still time to save yourself! She has every gun she wants, her ammo closet is full, clothes in the closet, fridge full of food. I already gave her the straps, she actually is genuinely appreciative of them. Her truck and RV are important to her. And she values me pushing the gun cart at a competition more than any thing I could buy her. I'm hoping to get her Polish .22lr AK running well in the next few days, that too is something she wants. Going to call a friend with a lathe on Monday and see if I can pull a "rabbit out of the hat." Edited December 22, 2024 by John Kloehr Quote
Rip Snorter Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 6 minutes ago, John Kloehr said: She has every gun she wants, her ammo closet is full, clothes in the closet, fridge full of food. I already gave her the straps, she actually is genuinely appreciative of them. Her truck and RV are important to her. And she values me pushing the gun cart at a competition more than any thing I could buy her. I'm hoping to get her Polish .22lr AK running well in the next few days, that too is something she wants. Going to call a friend with a lathe on Monday and see if I can pull a "rabbit out of the hat." Live long and prosper! At this moment, no idea what to get for the Wife. The kids get beef bought from a rancher friend. 1/3 cow per couple - the best deal around. AVG $3 a pound across all cuts - grass fed no chemicals. Quote
watab kid Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 for a few years after the kids moved out and wife and i were alone we also spent quiet Christmas's and new years , but since the grandkids showed up its all on again , this year we have an added plus , my estranged [by his daughter] will now be part of our holiday festivities again , his daughter took control of him [he had a TBI in an accident in 2015 that killed his wife] but she passed away this past spring so we now have him back , it has added back a huge dynamic in our family over the past nine months , 1 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 We went to my mom’s today for her Christmas get together. She’s the matriarch now. She’s 90 and said that she wasn’t feeling Christmas just yet. For the first time in several years, all of the kids, grandkids, and great grandkids were there, the youngest just over a year old. We did a few little things that needed to be done for her. She lives alone and may not be able to do that much longer, but insists on being self sufficient for as long as possible. We did potluck and a cookie swap and she gave presents to the great grandkids, (we won’t let her give gifts to anyone over 25) and by the time the party was breaking up, she was “feelin’ it”!! On Christmas Day, we’ll gather at my sister-in-law’s for Schoolmarm’s side of the family’s get together. My two grandsons will be there with Hatfield and we’ll all exchange gifts and have a big dinner. The grandsons’ other grandparents are gone now, so I guess I’m the patriarch. The oldest was adopted by Hatfield when he married. His natural father abandoned him and he’s adopted me and Schoolmarm wholeheartedly. The two brothers are totally dedicated to each other and we have a very tight bond. We’ll get together more after Christmas and spend more time enjoying the holiday and getting into something that we can share. It ain’t Norman Rockwell, but it’s good family!! I still gotta figure out what to get or do for Schoolmarm! 1 Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 26 minutes ago, Blackwater 53393 said: I still gotta figure out what to get or do for Schoolmarm! Blackwater my friend, I think that I've gotten to know fairly well over the years, or at least as well as one can with someone he's never actually met. And I think that if you just let Schoolmarm know that you're there for her, as you have been, she'll be happy. 2 1 Quote
Marshal Mo Hare, SASS #45984 Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 The younger daughter is taking her family to Hawaii for two weeks. Have I ever mentioned that she has a successful daycare business? There’s usually a two week winter cruise. so we had a dinner at a pizza place and a few gifts exchanged, both daughters were there and the grandsons. 2 Quote
Forty Rod SASS 3935 Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 (edited) Christmas has never been my favorite holiday and since my wife passed away over eight years ago I haven't done much to celebrate it. It was her holiday (and most of her days were holidays. She just loved life.) My only decorations are a 1950 something O gauge wind up train on the mantel with Santa, Grumpy, a snowman, elves, a grinch, and some cars full of miniature gift packages and one car with small glass tree globes. I have three stockings hung out for decorations. Daughter and son-in-law are way across the country from me in Flat Rock, NC and still recovering from the hurricane damage in their area. They will be here in mid-February for a few days. They call once a week though. My son and his wonderful wife are in Las Vegas and don't travel much. Can't drive at night and some other problems. They're going to try to get here at the same time that his sister will be here. My son seldom calls but his wife checks in frequently. My grandson also lives in Vegas and is working full time, going to school to become a radiologist, caring for his invalid mother (son's first wife), and trying to do all that and take care of his girl friend as well. He's not heard from very often. Just busy with his own life and he's a good kid so I don't mind. I do hope he can get free to come up when the rest are here. Having a Christmas breakfast with some friends, then the dog and I will spend a day much like any other except I expect visitors throughout the day (I have lots of friends out here. Turned down several invites for dinner. They have families of their own and things to do so I won't interrupt any that for a second) and eating stuff all day long. Gonna blow my hard earned loss of weight all to hell. I'll get back to it later. Got a pile of old movies on DVDs. Got some turkey (don't like turkey much but will bow to tradition a few times a year Have smashed taters and some good rich gravy, corn bread, candied bacon (never tried it before but my neighbor says it's really good), pickled beets, sauteed in butter mushrooms, popcorn, sweet corn "burned" in butter and pepper, peach pie with ice cream, and other goodies. We have egg nod, Christmas candy (I'm going to try making divinity for the hundredth time.) peach pie, sarsaparilla, coffee, and all kinds of fattening stuff and about 60 hours of DVDs to keep us busy. Doesn't sound like much, but I don't need much either, and it'll do. I'm warm, fed, well clothed (even though I've lost a lot of weight and much of doesn't fit, loved, and happy.....and a dog who is my best friend..... and we live in central Arizona. I've had a lot worse over the years. Who can ask for more? Y'all have a great Christmas. I sure will. By the way, my kids bought me a 10 inch super duper electric "chop saw". 45 degrees to either side, 45 degrees side ways tilt, up to 8" boards up the three inches thick, laser aiming light, dust collector (I doubt it will work any better than a dozen before). I may go out and ruin some lumber by making chips and saw dust for awhile. Tom Edited December 23, 2024 by Forty Rod SASS 3935 8 Quote
Grumpy Old Man Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 We had a ThanksChristmas at Thanksgiving. My son comes home from Colorado for a week. He has a 10 year old son and recently married a very nice Aussie lady. We will go to my daughters on Christmas day. 2 grands there, 6 and 10. 1 Quote
Texas Jack Black Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 14 hours ago, Widder, SASS #59054 said: I bought meowndangself some reloading supplies........ nearly $800 worth. I enjoyed going to the local mall and watching people...... particularly younger folks and children. The memories of my youth still supply a lot to my Christmas enjoyment. The saddest part is that in my 73 years of life, this is the first Christmas without my Mom or Dad. But, I have a new little granddaughter and I can't wait to buy her the 1st BB rifle in a few years..... ..........Widder MERRY CHRISTMAS Widder. Enjoy the new Grand daughter they grow up fast. TJB Quote
Cactus Jack Calder Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 (edited) Christmas week with my eldest son’s family in the UP near Saul St. Marie, MI. It was -5°F yesterday morning. A beautiful picture through the windows. A little cold for a retiree from NC. However, the kids keep the wood stove warm and all is secure inside. We all miss Miss Susie May, she was the Christmas Spirit, but it will be a good day just the same. To all out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! CJ Edited December 22, 2024 by Cactus Jack Calder Missing word (be) 1 Quote
Texas Maverick Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 (edited) 18 hours ago, Rip Snorter said: Hopefully it doesn't leave her "fit to be tied"! I was burned in younger days for "useful / practical" gifts! There is still time to save yourself! LOL, that makes two of us. I learned she didn't want a vacuum sweeper one year even though she kept saying she needed a new one. Then one year she was pining over the nice mixer at Kohls so I bought it for her Christmas present and that didn't go over well either. This year I bought her a new laptop so not sure if that is going over either. But she keeps saying she needs a new one since hers is over 10 years old and very slow. She keeps telling me she doesn't need anything so I am hoping I can get by with that as her major present this year. Will let you know after Christmas whether I am in the hospital or not. LOL TM Edited December 22, 2024 by Texas Maverick Quote
Rip Snorter Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 7 minutes ago, Texas Maverick said: LOL, that makes two of us. I learned she didn't want a vacuum sweeper one year even though she kept saying she needed a new one. Then one years she was pining over the nice mixer at Kohls so I bought it for her Christmas present and that didn't go over well either. This year I bought her a new laptop so not sure if that is going over either. But she keeps saying she needs a new one since hers is over 10 years old and very slow. She keeps telling me she doesn't need anything so I am hoping I can get by with that as her major present this year. Will let you know after Christmas whether I am in the hospital or not. LOL TM The jewelry stores will be open Monday & Tuesday! 1 Quote
Chickasaw Bill SASS #70001 Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 a BIG stack of CASH , will deal with the issue and throwin' it , gives ya head start for the door CB 1 Quote
Texas Maverick Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 6 hours ago, Forty Rod SASS 3935 said: We have egg nod, Christmas candy (I'm going to try making divinity for the hundredth time.) peach pie, sarsaparilla, coffee, and all kinds of fattening stuff and about 60 hours of DVDs to keep us busy. Tom I haven't heard anyone making divinity in a very long time. It was one of my favorites growing up. My mother would make divinity, fudge, date loaf and my overall favorite Aunt Bills. I hope it comes out great for you and enjoy a piece for me. TM Quote
Warden Callaway Posted December 22, 2024 Author Posted December 22, 2024 In bed Christmas Eve, I told Mary I didn't have anything for her. She never gave me any clues. She said, "What I'd really like is a quilting frame." I said, "Well, don't expect it under the tree in the morning. " It was a couple of months in the making but we got one made. She had made a top and had the backing and such. Loaded up the frame. And there it set for a good long while. Then it was taken down and put somewhere. I think she finally gave it away. Quote
Calamity Kris Posted December 22, 2024 Posted December 22, 2024 19 hours ago, Rip Snorter said: Hopefully it doesn't leave her "fit to be tied"! I was burned in younger days for "useful / practical" gifts! There is still time to save yourself! We always went to Uno's parents house for a big family Christmas. Everyone was there...... We are both java fiends. I received a bean grinder and super duper coffee maker one year for Christmas. His sister and sisters-in-law were aghast that he bought that for me. They were even more surprised that I loved it. I didn't view it as an appliance as much as a useful item we both liked. 3 Quote
Rip Snorter Posted December 23, 2024 Posted December 23, 2024 8 hours ago, Warden Callaway said: In bed Christmas Eve, I told Mary I didn't have anything for her. She never gave me any clues. She said, "What I'd really like is a quilting frame." I said, "Well, don't expect it under the tree in the morning. " It was a couple of months in the making but we got one made. She had made a top and had the backing and such. Loaded up the frame. And there it set for a good long while. Then it was taken down and put somewhere. I think she finally gave it away. Consider yourself lucky! I live in quit world. Quote
Dusty Devil Dale Posted December 25, 2024 Posted December 25, 2024 (edited) My wife and I both turned 75 this past November. We are both still very active and healthy, but we've watched for many decades, the world winding down around us and time stealing those we love. My parents both passed before I was 15. My only sibling, my sister, passed six years ago. With her passing, I realized I've outsurvived my entire extended family on both parents' sides. The situation is nearly the same now for my wife (of 53 years). Her parents passed in 1999 and 2016. One brother passed last January. Her remaining brother lives nowhere near us and communicates infrequently, if at all. Neither of us has children, grandchildren, nieces nor nephews. So today, our Christmas is very quiet, with only the two of us, our cats and our llamas, and a lot of nostalgic memories of bigger gatherings and laughter. There is still laughter now, but it is muted, with only two of us in the house. Years ago, we made the decision to forego gifts to each other, and instead, to contribute to Toys for Tots or other charities. For about the past 15 years, each year, I have cut and split 5 or 6 pickup loads of oak firewood that I off-load in an empty lot at a nearby severely disadvantaged community. It all disappears in minutes, with families carrying it off like discovered treasure, in their arms or on bicycles. That helps me appreciate, every Christmas, how blessed we really are. This morning, I played Christmas carrols on the guitar, just to make things feel more Christmasy. Our Christmas feast will consist of a turkey roast and stovetop stuffing, plus this past week's pies, cookies, etc. That smell will mingle with the aroma of a Christmas tree that for two weeks has permeated our house (and made me sneeze at times). Our family today consists mostly of our cowboy shooting friends whom we greatly enjoy, value and appreciate! MERRY CHRISTMAS BLESSINGS TO ALL OF YOU ! Edited December 25, 2024 by Dusty Devil Dale 1 5 Quote
Eyesa Horg Posted December 25, 2024 Posted December 25, 2024 Good on you DDD, the firewood donation is precious. 🎄 2 1 Quote
Dusty Devil Dale Posted December 25, 2024 Posted December 25, 2024 10 minutes ago, Eyesa Horg said: Good on you DDD, the firewood donation is precious. 🎄 The older I've become, the more I've learned to appreciate the fun of helping and giving. I think that spirit is why I like Cowboy shooting so much. Just about everybody seems to have learned those lessons. 2 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted December 26, 2024 Posted December 26, 2024 I cooked up a big batch of spaghetti sauce a couple of weeks ago and I froze two big bags of it for later. Last night was later! We didn’t want to cook, so we broke out a batch and thawed it out, limbered up some fettuccine and feasted on that for supper! Spent the morning doing some preparation for tomorrow’s surgery. Then we fixed up some snacks for Christmas dinner at the sister-in-law’s and when the grandsons arrived, we headed out. Three generations around the table after a gift exchange!! Beef tenderloin, scalloped potatoes, yeast rolls, ham ‘n’ cheese sliders, broccoli casserole, and fresh fruit! Boomers, 70’s kids, 80’s children, tweens, and teens!! A good time was had by all!! 4 Quote
Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 Posted December 26, 2024 Posted December 26, 2024 6 minutes ago, Blackwater 53393 said: Boomers, 70’s kids, 80’s children, tweens, and teens!! A good time was had by all!! Now you're just braggin'. Merry Christmas anyway. Quote
Stump Water Posted December 26, 2024 Posted December 26, 2024 5 hours ago, Dusty Devil Dale said: Today, our Christmas is very quiet, with only the two of us, our cats and our llamas, and a lot of nostalgic memories of bigger gatherings and laughter. There is still laughter now, but it is muted, with only two of us in the house. Likewise. Just the one silly calico cat, no llamas. I would not trade those nostalgic memories of bigger gatherings and laughter for anything. But I have earned today's quiet. On earth peace, good will toward men. 1 1 Quote
Blackwater 53393 Posted December 26, 2024 Posted December 26, 2024 4 minutes ago, Sgt. C.J. Sabre, SASS #46770 said: Now you're just braggin'. Merry Christmas anyway. No brag. Just fact!!* *and real thankful for that fact!😍 2 Quote
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