BADDA BOOM! by Frances Kennedy franceskennedy782@gmail com
Christmas Memories are Made in the Kitchen
“The everyday human gesture is always a heartbeat away from the miraculous. Remember that ultimately we make things happen through our actions, way beyond our understanding or intention; that our
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seemingly small, ordinary human acts have untold consequences; that what we do in this world means something; that we are not nothing and that our human actions by their nature burst the seams of our intent and spill meaningfully and radically through time and space, changing everything. Our deeds, no matter how insignificant they may feel, are replete with meaning, and of vast consequence and constantly, impact upon the unfolding story of the world, whether we know it or not.” -- Musician Nick Cave from The Red Hand Files Why is this idea relevant now as we approach the holiday season? It’s simple: we have come to a stage of life when our adult children have every right and responsibility to celebrate the high holidays according to their circumstances. What does that mean for us? Angst, anger, or freedom from the rigidity of traditions. Rigidity is an absurdity since life is a guaranteed flow of constant change. So, instead, let’s consider how to make the most of everyday human gestures for the sake of peace, harmony and personal happiness when traditions can be a stranglehold. As the mother of three sons, I learned early that the mother of the bride takes precedence over the mother of the groom. I chose to see that as a freedom to wear what suited me on their wedding days, and I did. Further, I learned that the wife is the social planner, and her mother has priority over high holidays. I took a broader view of holidays to include all of November and December. My sons were grateful for the flexibility and gathering for an event that was fun and interesting became our tradition. As a soloist, it gave me the opportunity to celebrate THE DAY according to my whim and circumstance. If you love to cook, whistle up those friends and neighbours who don’t. What about a potluck? What fun to enjoy the assembled specialties of your guests! Or perhaps you would enjoy the respite of solitude and sushi. Perhaps you would enjoy volunteering with a team at the soup kitchen. The choices are myriad and entirely up to you. The beauty is that your everyday gesture is a heartbeat away from the miraculous, at a moment that makes memories you will enjoy recalling and recounting. Small, ordinary acts have untold consequences at a moment in time that makes memories for yourself and others that can spill meaningfully through time and space, changing everything. I love the freedom and I’m so over preparing turkey and ham for turkeys and hams. I love them like crazy but I’m getting lazy. Happy holidays and Happy New Year! As Albert Einstein once opined: ‘When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.’ Badda Bing!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
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Boomers and Beyond – Elgin • December 2024 Page 15
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