I write these words on a day when a high pressure system brought sunshine to this valley. I also had a friend tell me he has high blood pressure. What about me? I am trying my level best to avoid any of the seasonal pressure. It is too much for me.
Mind you, by the time you read these words Christmas will be over. Will it?
I know I am wrong there since as sure as the day is long people will frantically take part in Boxing Day sales just hoping to get a good Christmas gift for next year. Like I said, too much pressure. What does pressure mean? It is the use of persuasion, influence or intimidation to make someone do something. Coercion, force, persuade, hound or harass. Are you getting the idea?
Commercials tell us we must buy this and that. Home decor shows will advise you to decorate this way or that. Cooking shows will put the pressure on just by showing you how to make a certain cookie, cake or full dinner. I don’t suppose anyone learns how to make a good fruitcake. Someone said, “The worst gift is a fruitcake. There is only one fruitcake in the entire world and people keep sending it to each other.”
I am then told about the pressure folks endure trying to keep peace with all the visitors and family who come by. I don’t have that pressure. I don’t do a big Christmas dinner nor do I attend one. If people comes here I can muster up a cup of coffee or tea. If you are in luck a store-bought cookie will appear from the back room. Celebrating Christmas should not have that kind of pressure. “Santa Claus had the right idea. Visit people only once a year.”
Decorations have become a contest event. Best display gets the money. As you know I have pretty lights on display all year. I never take them down. Besides, they look quite good on a pumpkin. I can look out into the darkness of the forest just to see a sparkly bit of light. No big blow-up characters or something moving around. Too much pressure to put up those garish displays, then more pressure to take them down.
So on that note, I will leave this for now just hoping I can maintain my pressure-free zone. Until the New Year I wish you well. Mind your way.
You can call me at 250-846-5095. Might not answer since I find the phone a pressure inducing device. Of course an email might come to mallory@bulkley.net