Christmas thoughts...

What's a man to do? Christmas is just two days away. I'll be all by myself. Why? My son hasn't spoken to me in months. He's awaiting trial on a felony charge. My daughter will be with friends of the ex. Jessie, usually a pleasant and very giving person, won't be getting me a gift this year either. Normally she does, but for some reason, this year, she isn't. She asked me today if I "wanted her to get me a gift." How do you respond to that? I don't want to tell her that I expect one. She'd go right out and buy me something. I would like to be remembered at least with a card. I don't expect or really want anything more. My felon...er, son, hasn't gotten me a gift in five years. He'll come around to get the gifts that others have sent here for him...monetary gifts that he will need to get more tattoos.

I am ready for the holiday to be over. I know that sounds like I'm a Scrooge, and I guess that's fine. I've been bombarded with Christmas advertising, marketing and promotions of one sort or another since Labor Day weekend. When I think of that and the fact that I'll be alone this Christmas, I don't get too worked up. My neighbors have made a supercilious attempt at decorating for the holiday. One of them strung a single strand of lights over a shrub in the front yard. A woman across the street twisted a few strings of lights along the banister and railing on the side porch of her apartment. I'm sorry. I'd rather see nothing at all rather than these half-hearted tries at "decorating."