The trouble with being alone and poor at Christmas is; folks almost expect you to feel sorry for yourself. Not being accustomed to RSVP pity parties, I threw myself wholeheartedly into as many Christmas activities as I could find. Just because I am single with a starved bank account is no reason to avoid Christmas.
Fortunately, I do have friends and extended family. I made it a point to accept the invitations that came my way; the GJHS choir extravaganza and the Schumann Singers‘ Joy to the World.
Free is not to be overlooked. The first Friday Spirit of Christmas in Downtown Grand Junction featured carolers of every type and age on every corner and free carriage rides. Being wanted somewhere else to spend time with grandkids, I did not stand in line for the carriage.
Though my sparkling new dance shoes were lost on Halloween, I still attended the Teddy Bear Ball at La Puerta dance studio. Except for the fun of bringing a gift for the Salvation Army, that was a bit ineffective for conjuring up Christmas spirit. No bear hugs. I don’t know how to tango. My favorite leads were too few to go around.
But then, only half way through the month, came December 15 and with it my Christmas spirit and the thought that whether December 25th arrived or not, I had enjoyed a successful Christmas.
I shall try to assume the proper accent for each account.
From your local community news reporter: A good time was had by all at the annual ladies luncheon at the home of Coni Wolfe (Mrs. Steven Wolfe) on Surface Creek near Cedaredge. For the two weeks preceding the luncheon, Mrs. Wolfe had busied herself about the kitchen preparing delectable treats including cranberry jalapeño cheese spread, pecan tarts and sugar cookies. When the guests arrived, a choice of hearty and tasty soups simmered on the stove, along with apple cider. Several of the guests carried with them a bag of some sort. Items in the bag turned out to be borrowed books returned or exchanged for additional literary reading. Women in attendance included retired and non-retired teachers from Palisade and Grand Junction High Schools along with a few old friends and new business acquaintances of Coni Wolfe. Many of the ladies were heard to remark how nice it was to see each other again.
An Idol Nutcracker critic: “I expected a lot from you when I saw your name on the program. A lot. You’re not just any old high school boy. You have a history of dance and trophies won in competitions throughout the region. But, frankly, your lifts looked a little weak and unsure. I was surprised, you being a BMX rider and all that. You had that spotlight stolen from you, stolen by veteran professionals from New York City. But, we’re still expecting great things from you a few years down the line.”
Yes, Saturday December 15, I enjoyed two big scoops of Christmas. My cousin was her generous, hospitable self. I had a kind and interesting travel partner for the trip to Cedaredge. The Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra members played to their potential in the orchestra pit and the professional dancing and acting on stage was enough to take your breath away. CMU students AJ Labrum and Sofia Robinson were especially memorable in roles dancing as Arabian Coffee and Dew Drop Fairy.
May all your Christmases be WONDERFUL! This one is turning out to be white.
