Pining for Another Age of Un-Instant Gratification

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The television tucked behind sliding woody doors – like a Christmas surprise. Counting down the days till Rudolph would soar above our shag-carpeted family room. My sisters, brother and I waited. And when that bulb-nosed deer finally arrived, we watched him save cinematic Christmas. All of us resting our laurels on orange shag. Each of us smiling.

Every Christmas, I retell my children how today’s young lot miss a wonderful life. The escalating thrill, that building joy of patience – of waiting – waiting – and finally – experiencing the ALL of Christmas. There were no multiple viewing times, streaming services, faces staring at ass-pocket phones – we traveled together in one pocket of time. Playing outdoors, watching holiday shows, building snow people…

And yes, though sometimes not by choice, we’d have chosen it anyway. The uncanny warmth, the holiday magic bursting forward when we celebrated together.

Then at New Year’s, how we gathered again. Our home open to all relatives and friends. We watched the ball descend while ringing Uncle Jimmy’s silly noisemakers. We stayed up late. Everyone woke to pancakes and a new year of unknowns shrouded in mystery and love.

My childhood was the last generation of un-instant gratification. ‘Twas a glorious time indeed.

This little cat is my daughter’s beloved Clam. I sculpted him as a special Christmas gift. Clam was adopted months ago. This was his first Christmas with us. I’m happy to report that both Clam the Cat, and Mojo the Dachshund, are peacefully hanging out.

I do so hope you all are doing well.
And a happy, happy New Year to all!
am:)

13 thoughts on “Pining for Another Age of Un-Instant Gratification”

    • so exciting to read you here – my dear friend!
      may your 2025 travels land you in all sorts of magical places 🌟

      here’s to family and friends and wondrous book club gatherings❤️

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  2. We didn’t know how good we had it back in the 80s, Ann. We were the last generation to know a world without the darn technology. While I enjoy using the tech, life was better before it. Wishing you a wonder new year, Ann. 🙏🏻😊

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  3. How are you doing AnnMarie? I’ve been doing writing and coming out with different stories. I think 2025 has a lot in store for me. I can’t say for sure if I’ll be writing any books in 2025 i like my stories but one thing for sure is nothing is for sure in the future. Have a Happy New Year and let me know how you are doing. Sad times for the Pats and Giants atleast Pats are getting number one pick in the nfl draft when they lose to the bills they pulled Drake from that game we got no chance. Go AnnMarie go!

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    • Happy New Years, Dan

      Yes, 2025 will have much in store for such a hard-working and dedicated young person such as yourself – all good things to you this year – health, happiness and buckets of creativity, Dan –
      all good on this end – keith and the kids are all doing great – thank you for asking
      here we go!!!

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    • It’s officially 2025, George!

      I love beginning a new year learning something new – thank you for the beautiful Gaelic phrase

      Happy New Year’s to you and yours too🌹🌟

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    • My husband has affectionately taken to calling my childhood home – ‘God’s Little Golden Acre’
      It had its moments of wonder – it had a dad – who could be terrifying at times – there was a mom whose angelic presence offset her husband’s intensity – and, the many beautiful moments in between the others have become gilded in my memory –

      happy new year – Georgiann🌟

      and thank you for your kind art words:)

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