By Suzanne Sparrow Watson
Jeff the Elf
Elvis was in the building!
Here we are, a new year before us, with optimism and hope for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2024. But before we leave 2023, I want to give a shout out to Bob and his wife, Linda, for hosting a fun and frolicking Christmas weekend. As I mentioned in my last blog, there was a family talent show on Christmas Eve. The emphasis was slightly more on fun than talent, but it was the highlight of the weekend. Bob’s son, Jeff, served as MC. I knew he would be up to the task but it was confirmed when he arrived dressed as Elf, replete with beanie and pointed shoes. He sang “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, with some slight lyric variations, and was sensational. Next, we had a surprise visit from Elvis (he looked amazingly like Bob) who serenaded us with his classic, “Blue Christmas”, not only on guitar but with kazoo at the same time. He’s a very talented guy!
Us, not singing, thank God
My family did a riff on the Brady Bunch theme song with lyrics changed to poke fun at the assembled group. My nieces, Stephanie and Dana, sang their traditional “Sisters” song from White Christmas, this year waving turquoise feathered fans, looking just like Rosemary Clooney and Vera Ellen. My great-nieces, Emma and Addison, sang “All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth“, which was especially appropriate given that Addison is missing her two front teeth! The show ended with Jeff singing, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!”, and all of the little children were enthralled by his performance. There is nothing like small children to bring back the magic of Christmas and restore a sense of gratitude. All in all, it was a great – and memorable – holiday.
This year, he was Christmas angel
But here we are in a new year and ready to take it on. I am an (overly) sentimental person, so New Year’s Eve is always a bittersweet holiday for me. Particularly as I’ve grown older, I think about the retiring year and recall the fun times, but also the loss of a family member or friend that each year has brought. Of course, 2023 was the hardest year to part with because it was the last year that Alan was alive. I will never again have a year with a memory of him in it. So probably like many of you, I greet the new year with mixed emotions, wishing I could hold on to the old year, but knowing a new year beckons. Just before he died, Norman Lear summed up this dichotomy about saying goodbye to one thing and greeting the next when he was asked if he was afraid to die. He said, “I’m not concerned about the going, I just don’t like the leaving.” But here we go, into 2024, optimistic and full of plans. As I said at the beginning, I hope this is a happy, healthy and prosperous new year for all of you.
Now go watch some football and nurse that hangover!
Love this! Happy happy NEW hear!!❣️❣️❣️💔
Thanks, Carol! Wishing you a happy new year. Thanks for all of the decorating and celebratory inspiration you provide all year long!!
What a delightful description of your family talent show and Christmas together. You are all so amazing! Love to all of you. Happy New Year.
Thanks, Marg! Yes – love my family. I remember a couple of fun Christmas Eve’s at my parent’s house with you – fun times! Wishing you a very happy 2024. Love and miss you – Spuz
Oh, Suzanne, I know leaving 2023 is difficult because you lost Alan that year. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I’m glad you had such fun Christmas activities with your family.
Wishing you and your family a beautiful New Year filled with love, health, new experiences and JOY!💛
Thanks, Janet. I hope that you and Mr. Wonderful have a happy and healthy 2024. And the cats too!!
xoxo
Great blog my friend. Happy new year to you. Looking to seeing you sometime this year. 🩵
Thanks! I would love to see you – whether you are here or I’m in SoCal! Happy New Year!! xo
What a special family you have Suzanne.
Your friends are beside you always,as we enter 2024. We will handle all the FUN and challenges together.
Happy, Healthy everything ❤️
Yes – I do have a special family and very grateful for them. I know you always have my back and I’m grateful for you too! xoxo
Beautifully said and written. Thank you for sharing your experience. And, one thing (among many,) I feel reading your story is – Gratitude! Probably one of our most important goals. Happy New Year Suzanne!!!
Thanks, Christie! Yes – seeking gratitude constantly, even if it’s for a piece of chocolate cake ; ))
Happy New Year to you and Ronnie! xoxo
Thankyou Suzi . Happy New Year to you and the family!
Thanks, Phyllis! I hope you have a very happy new year as well.
Suzanne – You reminded me of the Woody Allen quote: “I’m not afraid of dying. I just don’t want to be there when it happens.”
Happy and healthy new year!
JoanY
Yes! That’s one of his better lines. Happy New Year to you and Ron as well. xo
Oh, Suzanne.
You have once again captured beautifully “this delicate chapter” that you, I and many others find ourselves navigating through. One step at a time continues as we seek opportunities to find joy and identity the blessings in our lives.
Huge hugs,
Pat
Thanks, Pat. Yes, one day (sometimes a half day) at a time. I hope you are finding those opportunities for joy. Wishing you the very best in 2024.
xoxo Suzanne