Opening Gifts

Eric and I had a very nice Christmas, but at a certain point, early in the day, we agreed that we felt old: finished with breakfast, back from a walk, and sitting before a fire, one checking his device, one knitting with a knitted brow, lovely All Classical radio station on, pointing at cards on the mantle, "Who was that one from? Did you see the cute picture of . . .," occasionally peering out the window to the street, like my mother used to do. Waiting.
Finally, I jumped up and baked a batch of cookies. Back in the mid sixties, I gave a bridal shower for a friend and bought a cookie making set at Sears (see Extra). I figured any well stocked young woman ought to have one, and I still have it. But today, I didn't have any food coloring or anything for decoration, so the cookies were plain, but it was quick and satisfying, and took up the time.
Finally, at mid-afternoon, it was across the street for neighbors' open house, and on to Gery's for dinner and gifts. Sad and poignant to be at my sisters' house. I'll be so glad when the holidays are over.