Rosy Glow – Holidays 2024

By

Andrew DeMarco

I had originally intended to post this Rosy Glow before the Christmas Holiday but circumstances beyond my control prevented me from doing so.

With Thanksgiving and the elections behind us, the Holiday Season is now in full swing. After hosting Thanksgiving this year, I have come to realize that the most important thing in this world are the 4Fs. What might you ask are the 4Fs? That is simple: Family, Friends, Fun and Food. That is why I am puzzled with people who will not sit down or even talk to members of their family because they have different opinions and political views. I guess they would prefer loneliness rather than being with loved ones. Why?  I have no idea.

These attitudes reminded me of the Holidays or just about every Sunday at my grandparents’ house. Every Sunday was usually a day filled with debate and discussion, usually the kids versus the adults, especially with Uncle Cappy leading the charge for the older generation. Topics such as the Vietnam War, politics, sports and religion were debated before dinner and needless to say at times they would get heated. Both sides felt that they were right and just and nothing would change our minds. When it got too heated, Great Uncle Joe would pull out his harmonica and start playing a tune and it would calm us all down at least temporarily. After the next course, the debates would start again and it would go on after every course amd in an Italian home there were many courses. These discussions did nothing to damper the holiday or our feelings for one another.

I learned some years later that Uncle Cappy actually agreed with us on some issues but he was just playing devil’s advocate. He also told me that he did it because he wanted us to form our own opinions as well as learn how to respect the opinions of others. I have come to realize that it was also being a part of a family and to be tolerant of all the varying opinions of family members. I am sure this played a part in us being a tight knit group.

One thing that I do know is that when I am with members of the family that have different opinions than myself, it will not keep us from enjoying our company and most importantly the 4Fs. I guess it was the way we were brought up that helped instill these beliefs in us. This is why it makes me wonder how anyone could allow another person’s opinions to keep them from enjoying the 4Fs especially at the holidays.

So, as we gather this Christmas, I know it will not matter what that relative sitting next to me might think politically, religiously or anything else because it will not keep me from enjoying Family, Friends, Fun and especially the Food. I am certain this will fill me with the Holiday Spirit and that feeling that Cousin Bob would call that….. Rosy Glow!

Regarding those circumstances beyond my control, well they only added more meaning to being with family. I got an early Christmas present this year, a Pacemaker and although I was home Christmas Day, unfortunately, I did not get to spend the day with family and missed out on the 4Fs. However, it made me realize how important it really is and those who don’t know this are missing out on that feeling that Cousin Bob would call that…..Rosy Glow!

A belated

MERRY CHRISTMAS

&

A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL!