Tonight I experienced a different sort of Christmas Eve from the many I have had before.
Before I start, let me add, that my three kids and five grandchildren were all with me on the weekend and we had a really wonderful celebration of the season. The next day I headed to Longboat Key, Florida to a time share that I have “owned” for 35 years. In fact, my family spent a few Christmases here many years ago.
Today, despite being about 27 degrees C there was rain on the horizon so I jumped on the Longboat Key trolley into Sarasota to a movie. Review to follow.
The movie was out at 6 and the next trolley back to Longboat was not for an hour. As I walked up the street it looked pretty deserted, only a few people hanging about looking somewhat inebriated by the bus station. I was early and across the street was a bar that seemed to be hopping. So I went over to grab a beer while waiting for the bus
Tables were full but there was a place for me at the bar, right beside the band. What fun I had waiting for the bus. After only one beer I was definitely into the Christmas spirit, toe-tapping and smiling ear to ear and singing along. If my bus was not due I would have stayed for a second.
At the bus station I sat near three guys who were happy to be together, no money but spending Christmas Eve w
ith each other. Friends. After a lot of hugging and Merry Christmases they decided that they had 17 minutes until their bus arrived and they should go get a beer. My suspicion is that they would miss their bus. But it was actually heartwarming to see them enjoying each other’s friendship and feeling festive despite their circumstances.
As I got on the bus it started to pour rain. I was the only rider. It was like having a chauffeur back to my condo and the rain let up just as I was to get off the bus 100 metres from where I am staying.
For Christmas, my daughter Heather had given me some US$ to spend on entertainment while on holiday. Today, for $22 I got transport in and out of Sarasota, a movie a beer, a tip for the bartender and $5 for a guy sitting beside me who was listening to the music but had no money to buy a drink. A priceless Christmas Eve.
The evening was memorable. I am still smiling and feeling very Christmasy despite being here on my own and it being warm outside. I am happy. I hope your Christmas Eve has some memorable moments too.
Merry Christmas.
johnageddes 
John that was a xmass. Mine was hectic. You know about our xtended ffamilies! My son Emma came with thhree cousins with their kids so l had as few as 17 grandchildren who wete very adventurers and some had not been to villages before. They were quite free films for their agements who now taught them about cows goats pigs chicken digs and all. The parents had to spend a little more on sodas and biscuits on the eager teachers and even had to buy a ball for them. The villagers beat the the urban boys. The xmas went on to 27th when one niece weded at a very colourful ceremony and the family then departed on 28th leaving me lonely. You know the African style! Happy New 2015
John that was a xmass. Mine was hectic. You know about our xtended ffamilies! My son Emma came with thhree cousins with their kids so l had as few as 17 grandchildren who wete very adventurers and some had not been to villages before. They were quite free films for their agements who now taught them about cows goats pigs chicken digs and all. The parents had to spend a little more on sodas and biscuits on the eager teachers and even had to buy a ball for them. The villagers beat the the urban boys. The xmas went on to 27th when one niece weded at a very colourful ceremony and the family then departed on 28th leaving me lonely. You know the African style! Happy New 2015 Phinny
I can imagine. It sounds like you had a splendid family time and I know how much joy that brings to you to have your very extended family with you. All the best for 2015.