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Saturday
Dec192015

Calendar creation, a time for reflection

I've spent some time this week putting together the family calendar - something I've done now since about 2004. Originally I created it in a calendar program and then printed it at a Kinkos on cardstock, but I now use Shutterfly. I've kept the same content formula - "scanned photos of long-gone relatives and baby pictures of my siblings and I are mixed with digital photos from family events from the past year. "

Creating a calendar is a powerful form of reflection for me. The end of the year, familiar gatherings, new children and friends, and the loss of people who may have been a log part of my life, all put me in a bittersweet mood. We cannot, of course, stop the world from turning and would not want it to stop revolving even if we could. As much as I loved my children and grandchildren as babies, I love them even more now as adults and fast growing children and adolescents. Some old and treasured traditions continued; some became impractical; and new ones were forged.

I expect Christmas 2016 will not be dissimilar because not only do those around us change, but we ourselves do as well: beoming wiser or more foolish, healthier or less abled, more giving or more selfish, and braver or more fearful. Opportunites will arise, as will disappointments. Most years I am lucky enough to find a book or take a trip that impacts my life and thinking in a very substantial, personal, permanent way. And I am happy for that.

Get to work on your calendar and your reflections. I need to start my other Christmas shopping!

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Reader Comments (2)

Hi Doug,

I think we are very similar, as I just received my annual Shutterfly calendars in the mail today! I've been making them for the past 8 years or so, although I did take the last two years off since we were overseas. I love your idea about incorporating old pictures, however, and will think about doing that next year.

Loved your "old school style", too!

Alicia

December 21, 2015 | Unregistered CommenterAlicia Duell

Hi Alicia,

Well, if we are similar, you have my sympathies!

My guess is that these calendars might become family keepsakes. I know at least they are for me. And it is fun to pass down some old pictures - some of these folks I barely remember or never knew.

Happy holidays!

Doug​

December 22, 2015 | Registered CommenterDoug Johnson

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