Boxing Day has always had mixed emotions for me. It is still a holiday here - no stores will open around here until December 27th. We continue to fight off the burning desire to lose this most beloved of holidays, which in the Maritimes is when you go see "the family".
For us this year, this means going to see my husband's family. This has gotten easier over the years. Early on in our marriage it was less than enjoyable, but MIL has mellowed somewhat with age and I can now take my dose, so long as it is not more than 3 or 4 hours at a time!
However for me, Boxing Day makes me think of my mother's side of the family and Boxing Days in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Throughout the years growing up we would travel to my aunt and uncle's farm. I would not describe these visits as terrible - my aunt and uncle had a massive farmhouse that was a joy to explore - but would describe them as being only one or two steps above total anarchy. In-laws and old family members would drink way too much, there was loud singing and talking, typically a fight or two, often between my mother and her sister, and the house would be visited by an assortment of "characters", themselves already drunk, who would add their own special brand of magic to the festivities. One of the cousins once brought a horse through the house.
It was one of those events where you would have a 5 minute conversation with about 50 different people and then drive home in the blackness for 2 hours around midnight, feeling you had not had a real conversation with anyone. The Chieftan's seminal Christmas album, The Bells of Dublin, absolutely captures the spirit, if not the actual events of my family boxing days, in their collaboration with Elvis Costello in the wonderful song "The St. Stephen's Day Murders". I am quite certain that Elvis and I would have a lot to talk about if ever we should meet! Download the CD and then read the lyrics -truest Christmas song ever in my estimation and a classic Chez WMM!
But... never no mind... how was YOUR Christmas! Ours has been divine. Dinner was awesome, everyone woke up in good cheer and loved their presents. One could not ask for more!
Today's highlight: my new Cinzia Rocca dress coat:
I am feeling all Tabitha in this coat. I think I could wear this over some dramatic dress to go to the ballet in Scotland, whatdoyathink???
Me sitting on my couch with my new blue plaid scarf, a gift from Miss GF that makes me look all healthy! Is that Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots? Yup! Big hit gift for my Biggest Boy!
One of the lovelier gifts was a picture of me and my dad that Barry had enlarged and framed:
1985 was NOT the kindest year for dresses... sigh.. But lovely picture!
Hoping you all had a grand day and that this Boxing Day (or St. Stephen's Day!) finds you well and not too stuffed!
Tralalala:
On the 2nd Day of Christmas WMM gave to me,
A noble dog with a scarf like Grace Kelly....
YOU tell me that this dog of mine doesn't look noble AND chic..
And doesn't this picture remind you of another famous cover photo?
Stay Safe out there!
For us this year, this means going to see my husband's family. This has gotten easier over the years. Early on in our marriage it was less than enjoyable, but MIL has mellowed somewhat with age and I can now take my dose, so long as it is not more than 3 or 4 hours at a time!
However for me, Boxing Day makes me think of my mother's side of the family and Boxing Days in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Throughout the years growing up we would travel to my aunt and uncle's farm. I would not describe these visits as terrible - my aunt and uncle had a massive farmhouse that was a joy to explore - but would describe them as being only one or two steps above total anarchy. In-laws and old family members would drink way too much, there was loud singing and talking, typically a fight or two, often between my mother and her sister, and the house would be visited by an assortment of "characters", themselves already drunk, who would add their own special brand of magic to the festivities. One of the cousins once brought a horse through the house.
It was one of those events where you would have a 5 minute conversation with about 50 different people and then drive home in the blackness for 2 hours around midnight, feeling you had not had a real conversation with anyone. The Chieftan's seminal Christmas album, The Bells of Dublin, absolutely captures the spirit, if not the actual events of my family boxing days, in their collaboration with Elvis Costello in the wonderful song "The St. Stephen's Day Murders". I am quite certain that Elvis and I would have a lot to talk about if ever we should meet! Download the CD and then read the lyrics -truest Christmas song ever in my estimation and a classic Chez WMM!
But... never no mind... how was YOUR Christmas! Ours has been divine. Dinner was awesome, everyone woke up in good cheer and loved their presents. One could not ask for more!
Today's highlight: my new Cinzia Rocca dress coat:
I am feeling all Tabitha in this coat. I think I could wear this over some dramatic dress to go to the ballet in Scotland, whatdoyathink???
Me sitting on my couch with my new blue plaid scarf, a gift from Miss GF that makes me look all healthy! Is that Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Robots? Yup! Big hit gift for my Biggest Boy!
One of the lovelier gifts was a picture of me and my dad that Barry had enlarged and framed:
1985 was NOT the kindest year for dresses... sigh.. But lovely picture!
Hoping you all had a grand day and that this Boxing Day (or St. Stephen's Day!) finds you well and not too stuffed!
Tralalala:
On the 2nd Day of Christmas WMM gave to me,
A noble dog with a scarf like Grace Kelly....
And doesn't this picture remind you of another famous cover photo?
Stay Safe out there!
