My adult son who is now 30 lost his mother at this Holiday time 15 years ago. It happened at Thanksgiving. No Christmas spirit that year for sure. But the following year, neither he nor I were inclined. Neither of us is now. We have a loving relationship and reciprocally one of the most important figures in one another's lives. We don't have the trimmings and ersatz socializing we had those 16 years ago; however, what we do have is more precious and significant to me than any of that ever was. That is my perspective on it, and I enjoy it as it has evolved and come to be. Thank you, Clint, for giving me an opportunity for such reflection and introspection.
Thank YOU, for sharing such a beautiful story of your bond with your son. Wishing you both much love and happiness this holiday season and beyond. Cheers!
I'm not sure when the change happened, but at some point maybe 15 -ish years ago I realized my excitement for the holidays was a result of being able to get off the treadmill. And there was a marked drop in the number of people dunning* me. I'd get a chance catch up on sleep, etc.
*Philosophical question: Can you still use the verb 'dun' if the peeple hassling you don't want money? I'm dunned for my energy, attention, and time.
It is derived from D.U.N.S, the abbreviation for Direct Uniform Notification System, which printed forms for communicating to customers about their accounts with a business. It became synonymous with payment collection because it was unpleasant to receive one demanding payment and stating all the threats pending if the debtor did not pay within some period of time.
. (I might stand to be corrected on exactly what the words were in D.U.N.S.)
Awwwww….had no idea of that. Was that US or UK based? I feel like my parents were old school so I feel like I should have known it. Though they were more likely to deliver than receive that kind of communication. lol
U.S, as far as I know. I only saw one piece of correspondence from DUNS, and it had a U.S. address. The tag was referred to often in conversation from the time I began remembering. Such as, "Well, I guess I will have to send him a "dun" for it." I think the system might have been at the end of its life in 1980.
Clint, Bah Humbug to the Christmas Season. Had a good time as a kid at the Christmas Season and got all involved in it all. Then you grow up and life gets in the way. Too many reasons to mentioned and I just survive the season by retreating into my Castle for One. Shun endless invites from well meaning friends, they still ask and I still say no to joining them, but they still ask. I don't get maudling about it all, I just get on with it. I'm sure there are many folks who feel the same, if they are honest. Scrooge/Grinch DougT 🇫🇴 😁
Tis true. I used to be at peace with doing the bare minimum. And hope to return to that. But like you…Castle for One is my prefered perch to watch the holiday lights and movies. :-)
🕊️🤍🪩 (*peace love and disco balls, Clint*)
Right back atcha, Mr. Troy Ford…and I raise your disco balls with a Little Drummer Man! :-)
My adult son who is now 30 lost his mother at this Holiday time 15 years ago. It happened at Thanksgiving. No Christmas spirit that year for sure. But the following year, neither he nor I were inclined. Neither of us is now. We have a loving relationship and reciprocally one of the most important figures in one another's lives. We don't have the trimmings and ersatz socializing we had those 16 years ago; however, what we do have is more precious and significant to me than any of that ever was. That is my perspective on it, and I enjoy it as it has evolved and come to be. Thank you, Clint, for giving me an opportunity for such reflection and introspection.
Thank YOU, for sharing such a beautiful story of your bond with your son. Wishing you both much love and happiness this holiday season and beyond. Cheers!
I'm not sure when the change happened, but at some point maybe 15 -ish years ago I realized my excitement for the holidays was a result of being able to get off the treadmill. And there was a marked drop in the number of people dunning* me. I'd get a chance catch up on sleep, etc.
*Philosophical question: Can you still use the verb 'dun' if the peeple hassling you don't want money? I'm dunned for my energy, attention, and time.
Sounds reasonable to me, Anton. As for dunning, it’s a new-to-me expression, so can’t speak to it. But when I’m done, I’m done. lol
It is derived from D.U.N.S, the abbreviation for Direct Uniform Notification System, which printed forms for communicating to customers about their accounts with a business. It became synonymous with payment collection because it was unpleasant to receive one demanding payment and stating all the threats pending if the debtor did not pay within some period of time.
. (I might stand to be corrected on exactly what the words were in D.U.N.S.)
Awwwww….had no idea of that. Was that US or UK based? I feel like my parents were old school so I feel like I should have known it. Though they were more likely to deliver than receive that kind of communication. lol
U.S, as far as I know. I only saw one piece of correspondence from DUNS, and it had a U.S. address. The tag was referred to often in conversation from the time I began remembering. Such as, "Well, I guess I will have to send him a "dun" for it." I think the system might have been at the end of its life in 1980.
. More history from your old uncle.
No complaints here, Unc. :-)
Clint, Bah Humbug to the Christmas Season. Had a good time as a kid at the Christmas Season and got all involved in it all. Then you grow up and life gets in the way. Too many reasons to mentioned and I just survive the season by retreating into my Castle for One. Shun endless invites from well meaning friends, they still ask and I still say no to joining them, but they still ask. I don't get maudling about it all, I just get on with it. I'm sure there are many folks who feel the same, if they are honest. Scrooge/Grinch DougT 🇫🇴 😁
Tis true. I used to be at peace with doing the bare minimum. And hope to return to that. But like you…Castle for One is my prefered perch to watch the holiday lights and movies. :-)
🎄🎄👍🍺🍺🍺