Christmas was Wonderful!

This year, Christmas was overall a good experience. That’s not always the case, so I am very grateful.

On Christmas Eve, I ushered at the 3 p.m. Mass, which was preceded by a children’s pageant. We went with our friends, and I knew from experience that we needed to get there at least an hour early so they could get a seat. Well, let me say that to call the scene when we got there a “madhouse” would be an understatement. Hub and our friends literally got the last 3 open seats. (This was good, because Hub has a bad knee and no way could he have stood for 2 hours.) I was the first usher to arrive, and was immediately approached by Father Tom, who had a deer in the headlights look. He gave me a hug and said, “Thank you so much for serving!! This is always the busiest Mass.” I immediately went about getting out the baskets for the collection, and then the head usher showed up. It turned out that he and I were the only ones who had actually signed up.

A contingent of ushers for a "normal" service is 4, but for a service with this many people in attendance, we needed at least 8. We were fortunate that several folks came up and asked if they could help, so after a bit of quick instruction to them, we had enough help to manage the collection and communion. By 2:30, the church was absolutely packed, with standing room only. My main concern was trying to find open seats for older people. By asking people to squeeze together, I was able to find a few single seats.

About this time, I was stopped by a lady sitting in a chair along the wall near the very back of the church. 
“Those people are blocking my view of the altar. Would you make them move?” she asked with a very sour look on her face. Incredulous, I looked around at the mob of people and asked, “Where would you have me put them, ma’am?” “Well, I got here an hour early to get a seat, and now all these people are standing in front of me.” “Sorry, I can’t do anything for you,” I said. Then I started to walk away, but I then went back and said, “Just be grateful you have a seat.”

The rest of the service went fairly well, and several people came up afterwards and thanked me for ushering. I guess they understood what a challenge it had been, and I will admit to feeling a sense of accomplishment that we got through it without too many hiccups.

After church, the 4 of us went to Chinooks in Seattle for dinner. I was pretty wound up, but after 2 glasses of wine, and a delicious meal, I felt much better. But I still couldn’t believe that lady was so rude and unpleasant. I’m not sure in the context of “goodwill toward men” that I should have gotten pissed at her, but it just struck me as so ridiculous that she was mad about people without seats standing in front of her.

Christmas Day was actually very nice. My mom was very well behaved, and the day passed with no arguments or tantrums by my mom. Whenever we have these family get togethers, I’m always expecting something bad to happen. So I have been working with Dr D on “staying in the moment” and not worrying about what “might” happen. I sometimes wonder if Mom is more well behaved now because I’ve changed the way I react to her antics? Or was I just lucky that she behaved herself?

So, today will just be a relaxing day. It's rainy and very windy outside, but so cozy here inside with B on the couch with me. As I type this post, I am looking at my beautiful Christmas tree, which is decorated with all the special ornaments I've collected over the years. I am feeling such a sense of peace.

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas as much as I did and that you are looking forward to the New Year!