California Christmas

It seemed so different to see palm trees, flowers blooming, and Christmas decorations on green lawns. I was spending the holidays in California with my daughter's family. On Christmas Eve my daughter pushed my wheelchair to several stores so I could do some quick Christmas shopping. Other than Christmas carols in the background, it seemed like a regular shopping day in any store anywhere in the United States. I secretly sent my son-in-law to buy a gift for my daughter. I wrapped the gifts in my room which had been converted from my daughter's art studio to my bedroom. It was a perfect set up, a place where I could wrap gifts without anyone spying on me!

My granddaughters took me for wheelchair rides through the neighborhood. On our walk I said "man down" after seeing a Nativity scene with one of the three kings on his side. Once we tried to take their dog, Pablo, for a walk, but he kept tangling his leash in the wheels of the chair so we took him home. We were afraid it was an accident waiting to happen....either to him or to me!

After a delicious dinner of salmon and twice baked potatoes, we attended 6 p.m. mass on Christmas Eve at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church. I was surprised that it was not crowded.  Maybe the majority of persons attend mid-night mass or wait until Christmas Day to go to mass in California. My wheelchair ride to the church was exciting because a few times I thought my granddaughter might tip the wheelchair with me in it!

It was fun opening the presents and seeing a look of happiness or surprise on faces as each opened their gifts. My happiness was complete because, instead of seeing gifts opened on Skype, I was fully present in flesh and blood! (And, a swollen ankle!)

Christmas Day we drove to Dana Point to be with my son-in-law's family. His parents live in a beautiful area not too far from the ocean. Celebrating in their neat patio just did not feel like Christmas to me! The house was full with the five adult children, their spouses, grandchildren and friends.  Good food, interesting conversation, discussion of books, fun opening gifts, attending Saving Mr. Banks movie, yummy desserts and then the drive home. A perfect Christmas Day even though it was odd being in a place without snow or at the very least, cold weather!

"The birth of Christ

whether cold or hot

is beautiful

with snow or not!"

E. Moscoso

December 25, 2013