I'm sitting in the parlor at my local assisted living facility. Just finished a yoga class in the Activity Room. Three students, 80-90 years old. We did stretches (asanas), balancing, breathing exercises (pranayama), and a meditation. Now the third graders are there, to interview the elders.
The House is all decorated for Christmas. I'm here in the parlor, sitting in a comfy Queen Ann's chair. There's a big tree in the corner, decorated with gold ribbon, sparkly balls, and white angels. There's a fireplace, with stockings hung from the mantle, a poinsettia on the hearth, and a large gold-framed mirror on the wall above. There's a piano beside me, couches and rocking chairs, and a couple of marble-topped tables. There are lace curtains on the window and a chandelier with glass prisms. Wooden columns are wrapped with leaves and berries.
The children are asking the elders, "Do you celebrate Christmas or Hanukkah?" "What is your favorite Christmas carol?" "What was Christmas like when you were my age?"
Now the children are singing bits of songs, "Fa la la la la" and "Deck the Halls" as they interview. It's a happy hubbub. Oh, now a formal program. The children are standing and about to sing, "The 12 Days of Christmas".
We wish you a merry Christmas.
