Here we are again. Another holiday season. Another year’s end.
If I’m honest, I have to say that I have become a massive grinch around Christmas. I just don’t care for it. I was in Milan, Italy for some research last week and gagged on the out of control consumerism. People, we have major wars underway where thousands of innocents are being killed and which threaten the stability of the world while despots are suppressing freedom all over. How can anyone think about shopping? I don’t even know what “Christmas Spirit” we are supposed to feel at this point.
Here’s the Gucci “Christmas Tree” in the Milano Galleria. Disgusting.
There’s a faux Christmas market here in Nice which wouldn’t be so bad — it is something for non-grinch families to enjoy — if the horrendous versions of holiday staples weren’t blasting at such a high decibel and weren’t accompanied by the stink of cotton candy. Affreux!
That’s not to say there aren’t reasons to celebrate the season. I am lucky enough to have generous friends with whom to share festivities.
My local traiteur does such a great job that I am going to pick up a couple of traditional French Christmas dishes there for the various potlucks and dispense with even a thought of cooking. In the south of France the weather is likely to be quite obliging for a glorious Christmas and New Year’s walk on the Promenade. All my loved ones are happy and healthy and that gives me serenity.
And I have to admit some of the decorations are lovely.
It is possible my grinchiness is particularly strong this year because I won’t be with family, I will admit. Still. Parting thought: How about gifting humanitarian organizations that at least try to ease the suffering of the war torn with food, clothes and medicine? C’mon Gucci, take a stand for humanity.
Happy holidays and new year, everyone.
kmazz 
Thank you for this important reminder, especially in these times, Kathleen.
I’ve long since stepped away from the over-commercialization of the holidays, instead making a sizeable donation to the Women’s Empowerment Program at Heifer International. I highly commend such a cause.
I’m having breakfast with Tom this morning; seems to me he’ll be joining you shortly thereafter.
With endless blessings, joy and love,
Jim
May you be reborn
in the Love of this season,
revealing the Truth
that you
also
are perfectly Divine.
MERRY CHRISTMAS
with Love’s abundance,
Jim
Merry Christmas, Jim.
Thank you for the good wishes, Kathleen!
Hey, come join the Grinch Club. Yes, many of us agree with you. Joe and I have given up on Christmas gifting. Luckily, living in the middle of nowhere, we’re not exposed to the commercial excess that’s supposed to arouse the Christmas Spirit, though a holiday does sometimes provide an excuse to put down the Fight for a few days.
A respite until you’re back at it. I wish I could bake cookies, but why expend energy when a traditionally snow-covered region like ours is as tropical as one would expect in a place like Nice. This week, Vermont had its second flood (two once-in-a lifetime floods, five months apart).
Either way, Kathleen, you’ve landed in a good place: good food, warmth, life, tons of creativity, and — I’m guessing — pretty nice friends. Let’s hope 2024 will see a decline in war and anarchy.
Have a good holiday, no matter what!
Love,
Diane
I’m glad there’s a grinch club!
dearest Kathleen, I agree with you 100 percent! I’m intending to write you this January to explain my delinquency which I’ve often felt guilty about. I have been seriously ill for past 5 years and nearly died and close to went blind and couldn’t see to read or write , 24/7 pain, etc etc.– can see fuzzy now and will write soon.
Love always, Ann glad you met gary and jean they’re nice interesting people and said likewise of you, i thought you’d enjoy each other’s company
Sorry to hear it!
That was a good one a lot of fair points – we will certainly miss you as always hence the little presents in the mail. Love you
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Hello, Kmazz the grinch We ate well, I made bouche noel and ham and sweet potatoes and salad. Tom brought a nice bottle of wine. Can’t say I achieved a “Christmas spirit” either. Somehow it feels easier to not overdo Christmas when it is hardly even winter outside — if flowers are in bloom, how can it be authentically Christmas? I secretly miss the full-on New England Christmas of my youth. I learned several words off your French menu. On to Happy New Year 🙂 Katy
I miss the snowy Christmases too, especially in Oregon where we had the wood-burning stove.
Happy New Year, Kathleen!
So enjoyed your email, especially the thoughts about world suffering juxtaposed against all the consumerism of the season.
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Have a great 2024, Susan.