It has been my custom for the past several years (2009, 2010. 2011 and 2012), to have a Christmas Day open thread. It’s a chance for those who choose not to celebrate to share their thoughts here. Or if you have a low key celebration and want to connect with others. It’s past Festivus, but grievances can be aired.
There is so much to discuss. We could talk about Presidential politics. The primary campaign is just around the corner. I got “The Victory Lab” as a present for myself.
I’m always interested in how people celebrate, especially those that are less traditional. I took a look at the 2009 open thread I posted. It was full of comments and stories from people who I know either on BMG or in meat space. микрозайм на карту онлайн
Please share widely!
Loved that author’s book on Sushi (Sushi Economics) and heard good things about Victory Lab but haven’t read it myself yet-you’ll have to update us when you’re done.
Celebrated a late service last night in Aurora with my future in laws. The other family they expected to come over didn’t show so we had a quiet (though boozy for them which was a nice surprise) dinner. I’m always struck by how tired her dad and mom, one a pastor the other a hospital chaplain, get during this time. It’s harder for health workers in general. His sermon was quite powerful and I have a separate thread about it.
Tonight I’ll be hanging out at midway and logan airports, taking Uber to my folks house late at night in Wakefield and hanging with them and old friends in Cambridge all week. Very grateful to be coming back to God’s own Commonwealth!
You’ve made reference to your fiancee for quite sometime here – do you two have a date set yet?
I proposed this time in 2012, hoping for fall of 2013. Then we wanted fall of 2014. The wedding money got used for a trip to the Philippines when her grandma was very ill. She’s recovered fortunately, but our finances have not since I had a period of unemployment and we want to prioritize her nursing program. But hopefully fall of 15 or spring of 16. We’ve paid off most of her bills and she’s even paid off the first chunk of her U of C loans, so hopefully we will get there. Date could move up or down depending on what kind of work I can find. But she figures it’ll be a lot easier for her to get us to MA with a nursing license. All the more reason I feel that by opposing sensible student loan reform the ‘family values party’ has helped delay my plans to start mine.
There will never be a good or sensible time. It’s been 40 years for me and we couldn’t afford it, and we had problems, and it was not at all a wise choice at the time. Entire wedding cost less than $100 – to be fair, my wedding ring was $40, but that was before gold was de-regulated.
You will never regret it. Make ti Valentine’s Day.
My third wife and I celebrated our 12th anniversary last weekend. That’s a significant number for me because my first divorce was finalized just a few weeks before our 12th anniversary.
My first two weddings were large, elaborate, and beautifully orchestrated events (especially my second). Both were expensive and memorable. Both marriages failed.
My third marriage took place in Brookline Town Hall, with just two friends present as witnesses. It was so low-key that my wife and I have never been able to remember whether it was Dec 21 or 22, and so we go away for a weekend and celebrate BOTH days. My wife and I agree that we are closer now than when we married, and we would happily and immediately do it again if given a choice now.
Just do it.
in a developing country to a US born woman. It was glorious and the surprise party we threw for family and friends was much cheaper than the wedding parties we had investigated.
Invite everyone and enjoy the party with those who can attend. Put the party in a hot spot during your favorite vacation season and you will be well rewarded.
Thanks folks!
I’ve been following your efforts in Texas on FB. I know I speak for all your BMG friends wishing you and your family a health and safe New Year!
When you child, even at age 29. is hospitalized on Christmas Day, far away from home, it can be stressful. I didn’t want to go into it too much then; I may later. BMG was and continues to be a connection to home. When this is over I many share some thoughts on the Affordable Care Act, our medical system and the kindness of strangers (and friends!). BMG is a community and one of my support systems.
On Christmas Day I re-read the 2009 post I referenced abive. Somervilletom talked about his celebration, as did Christopher. Bean-in-the-burbs mentioned that a “present for Emily” was one bought for yourself; The Victory Lab was my present for Emily. Rye talked about disillusionment about the holidays; stomv and lightiris provided an invitation and advice respectively. Laurel discussed family estrangement. Others shared thoughts. BMG is areal community.
Thanks to all who are sending prayers, positive thoughts and being supportive.