A Self-opening Christmas

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I had a gift that opened itself on Christmas morning! Neighbor Shawn had given me a Christmas cactus with buds, and one burst into full bloom at the most appropriate time.

It seems perfect to label this Christmas Day “self-opening”. I didn’t know what to expect, but my expectations were high. The standard ideal of being among your dearest people, opening gifts before a warm fire, calling out thank yous, and eating a hearty meal were not part of my scene this year. Neighbor Holly was just leaving her house as I walked to the end of my driveway. She wondered where I was going, and I asked her the same thing. She was heading to open gifts with relatives in the next town. I walked to the stop sign, walking being something I NEVER did on Christmas morning.

Only one car passed me going into the development. Both driver and passenger returned my wave with enthusiasm. Going home, I chatted with a woman who stopped to wish me a Merry Christmas. She thought I hadn’t been walking, but I assured her I was there the day before. I’m wondering if she usually sees me from her house, not her car.

I walked by a special greeting without noticing it, until I went the other way. This was in front of the house where a schoolboy lives. It says, “Merry Christmas Wyatt from Frosty the Elf.” I’m sure it was a surprise for the boy, and perhaps he hadn’t seen it yet. What fun!

I had worked the Wordle puzzle before going out and saw niece Chrissie’s puzzle on the way home. Normally I don’t look at texts, but I thought Shawn might be letting me know that Logan was on his way to walk with me. He must have slept through his good intentions. These were my comments, “I’m at the stop sign and heading home. I am at the sheep pasture now. Progress! I’m at the big bend now. Is this like watching Santa circle the globe via the internet? I’m at the top of Tibi Lane now.”

I had worn Christmas clothes that no one saw, covered by coat and jeans. After walking I put on Christmas finery, always being dressed to my standards before watching church on line. It wasn’t so fine, though, because the top was too big. I’ve been pulling it back on my shoulders and vowing that I will put it in the give-away bin straight from the washer and dryer. There must have been at least one other year when it did fit.

At noon I ate Stollen for breakfast, a gift from Gerhard in Germany. It was as delicious as always. I sat at the dining room table for a more formal setting for a special breakfast.

Next I opened a gift I received days ago, saved for this moment. Throughout the day I was texting with family, friends, and neighbors.

This short day was filled with joy and love. I’m thinking of all of you who have touched my life and giving thanks for you, including dear blogging friends. Merry Christmas!

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Published by Anne Mehrling

I'm a retiree who loves to write about life in the mountains of North Carolina.

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38 thoughts on “A Self-opening Christmas”

  2. Glad to know you enjoyed it Anne. We are big on Christmas celebrations here in our country no matter how simple it is. I posted some photos here on my latest blog hut I had fifty shots uploaded on Facebook fof my friends and relatives to see.😘

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  3. I loved this, Anne. The descriptions, the names of those I have come to know from you, and especially the joy you take in your surroundings. I am grateful for what you have brought to me, and indeed, all of our blogging friends. I think it marvelous that we can connect with others far away and they become (you become!) part of our lives.

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  5. It is so rare that a Christmas cactus will actually bloom at Christmas time. That is wonderful. It sounds like a pleasant Christmas for you. xo

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    1. After having written about my lovely Christmas Day, I had computer problems that almost had me frazzled. I’m so glad I’m not counting that as part of my lovely day. I got things fixed before bedtime, so all was well.

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      1. Well I’m glad it worked out for you because computer problems are the worst … I hated going from Windows 7 to Windows 10 but now I have adjusted to it (grudgingly).

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          1. Yes, I was and this was a Windows 10 computer that was ordered for work and delivered here to the house in June 2019, but you know how you put a lot of stuff for blogging on your laptop? Every walk I go on, I do a quick draft the same day so I don’t forget the specifics as it’s often weeks, if not months before I get back to it. Plus I have photos and everything … I had nowhere to put my primary laptop so I had the computer guy just configure my Windows 7 to remote into work and put this Windows 10 plugged in, but off to the side. Then I was forced into using it by WP. I had heard Windows 12 was coming out the end of 2024 and it was full of AI stuff, plus Windows 10 would be phased out in October 2025, so I got a Windows 11 laptop which I have not used yet – it is plugged in. I tried it out and update it and run scans but it has nothing on it. I am not tied into work with this Windows 10 laptop, but I cannot get rid of the connection that our former computer set it up for Microsoft 365, so I don’t do any banking on it … I still use the Windows 7. After the near year, I’m going to start on Windows 11 … I have had it on the butcher block and moved it to put the Christmas tree there.

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  10. I love how you filled your day, and your cactus/flower is beautiful. I had a quiet day, too – doggone afib showed up, and I was down for the day. I didn’t mind and read a book most of the day. 🙂

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      1. For me, if I stay put and don’t move around much, I can keep my heart rate under 100, and my blood pressure is good, creating less stress on my heart. I just need to wait it out until my heart goes back into rhythm – usually 24-36 hours. If I’m up moving around, my heart rate goes too high, and I get lightheaded and weak. I’ve learned to live with it. I hope your friend and relative have figured out how to manage theirs as well. My doctor once called afib a “nuisance.” That it is!

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  12. What a wonderful title for your post! I loved your picture of the self opening present.

    How nice you were able to get out and take your constitutional ramble.

    I have enjoyed being your blog friend. You bring warmth and delight into my heart when I read about your days.

    May you have a Happy New Year and a wonderful year.

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  13. You made it a happy Christmas for certain! Your ability to celebrate the every day happenings and write about them with gratitude and interest makes you one of my favorite bloggers! You have a sincere heart, Anne, and it radiates through your writing.
    Wishing you a healthy, joy-filled 2025♥️.

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  14. What a happy blog post. Alone but not lonely for Christmas. I am so glad you enjoyed your Christmas day and that Christmas cactus set to the scene for the rest of the day. I’m half asleep

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  15. I hope this isn’t a duplicate comment Anne. Just to say I enjoyed your post very much. And all best wishes for 2025 for joy and peace, good health and prosperity, love and friendship-

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