What more could a man (or woman) ask for? Here is it, Christmas; one of the few times that even the miserly employers of the world give most of the working minions the day off to enjoy with family. A time of warmth, mutual love, and time together. Most of us have worried or dreaded whether or not we’ve purchased the right wares for our friends and family. Hand-wringing, budgetary considerations, and shear panic are sometimes the name of the game. It’s a bit like an overly obsessed bride who, when things don’t go exactly right for the wedding, loses it on the wedding day. Let’s not forget that the actual years of marriage are the harder and more meaningful part of that one day.
What’s the meaning? I guess I’m saying that we all need to be reminded that the time we have with friends and family is far more important than the gifts we give or receive. Even as I’m writing this, I’m reminding myself. Let’s not lose sight of the big picture this Christmas. I’m not writing an evangelistic post in this regard. Of course, I will be celebrating the birth of Christ on this Christmas. Even if this is not you, the meaning of the holiday certainly transcends the typical commercialism around which it revolves. My hope for myself and all of you is that this Christmas is indeed full of mirth and cheers. My sincerest wishes is that your hearts are gladdened with the wine of joy and perhaps the beer of the bottle.
One of my most significant Christmas experiences this year will be sitting around a fire (real or proverbial), drinking some beers, and sharing the joys of the year (and some of the good beers of the year) with my family. I hope your holidays can be filled with this simple joy.
-Mike
Well said Mike!
There wasn’t a word in that post that didn’t resonate.
[Reply]
I think with the economy the way it is, many people are for the first time examining the whole consumerism thing – perhaps out of necessity but still.
When the gifts have worn out, stopped working (or have been regifted) you still hopefully have family and friends which are infinitely more valuable than anything that can be put in a box. (Well, I suppose I wouldn’t mind boxing up some family and friends to be shipped off someplace, but I’m getting off topic)
I think the best gifts are the memories and experiences we share by the “proverbial or real fire” of life. Good post Mike.
[Reply]
Mike I just want to add that first we should remember those that can’t be here for Christmas. There are many families with Loved ones overseas whether in the military, or some other national service that are separated for the holiday, and thoughts and prayers should be extended to them too.
Also lets not forget Whiskey! Beer is great, but Whiskey is great too, so enjoy a dram of the hard stuff to back your Christmas beers this season, and soak in the warmth and joy of the holidays!
Merry Christmas
-Don
[Reply]
Thanks Don. i think it is important to remember the people you can’t be around. In fact, this is only thanksgiving ever that I’ve not spent with family.
As far as whiskey goes, I’m actually going to post a review of George T. Stagg at some point. If I wasn’t drinking beer it would be whiskey.
[Reply]
Scott,
Thanks for the compliment. I’m hoping this is a glimpse into a permanent attitude change among people.
[Reply]
This year, like last year, is going to be bitter sweet. Some of you know I live in the Seattle metro area, but as my handle indicates, I hail from Texas. Both my family as well as my wife’s family are back in Dallas and Austin respectively. Air travel, especially with several kids in tow, is getting to be prohibitively expensive, what with other family events (weddings etc…) coming in the near future. With that, the Tex family is staying home this year again. We will miss the revelry and jollity that accompanies our respective family celebrations. I will not be able to exchange friendly insults directed at the beers my uncles and cousins drink. Nor will I be able to head out to the back 40 and decimate clay pigeons with a shotgun with my father, uncles and cousins. We will be unable to gather around the piano at my in-laws’ house belting out Christmas carols. The kids will also have to forgo another year of frolicking about with their cousins. That is where the bitterness comes in.
However, all is not lost. The six of us will still be able to bask in the warmth of our own family traditions. We’ve been anticipating the arrival of Christmas throughout December by going through the Jesse Tree. We’ve made Christmas cookies, and shared them with friends. Santa will still pay us a visit. Friday, we will attend Mass to celebrate the arrival of our Savior. But it won’t just be us later on… we will be hosting a feast at our house, with several families joining us for fellowship, fun, and good beer. While they cannot replace our families, our friends here have helped to fill that void and bring much joy to our lives. We are indeed thankful for them and look forward to sharing in the day’s joy with them.
For my part, the recently brewed Imperial Smoked Porter was kegged this Saturday last. It is resting, chilled and absorbing the CO2 that gives beer its wonderful bubbles. Christmas day shall mark the first pint served of this beer.
Thanks to all for taking the time to share about the coming holiday. Prost! And Merry Christmas, y’all!
[Reply]
As far as whiskey goes, I’m actually going to post a review of George T. Stagg at some point. If I wasn’t drinking beer it would be whiskey.
Same here. I prefer Scotch Whiskey.
[Reply]
Mike:
Care to do a guest post on my site? I can’t get the Stagg and I’d love to have your insights. Think about it. A little collaboration is a good thing.
Merry Christmas.
-Don
[Reply]
I would absolutely love to. I was actually going to suggest it at one point but thought it presumptuous. I’ll post it on both.
[Reply]
We are going to miss you and Andrea at Christmas. Maybe we can drink a toast over the phone on Christmas day when everyone is here.
The Stagg sounds really good on this cold night. Think I’ll have a drink.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
[Reply]
We should, pop! My pop, everyone.
[Reply]
That sounds great Mike. Why don’t you shoot me an e-mail and we can discuss particulars. donald.galligan@mcmillen-llc.com
[Reply]