For kids, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. For some grownups, it can be a bit difficult. And then there are those who wish it was more like the old days.

Me? I saw it all, rolled into one week. It was chock-a-block with merriment, entertainment and yes, some sadness, as well—the holiday season is all that—often triggering memories tinged with fondness and nostalgia, sometimes tinted with sepia tones. 

We all know that the kinetic rush of the holidays can be stimulating, fueled by shopping, wrapping and partying, but I’m basically past all that. 

Instead, I’m often choosing to stay home with That Dog Named Gidget, virtually warming myself by the fake fire on the flat screen. As the computer-generated flames flicker in the darkness, I thought about Christmases past, present and future.

To shake off the holiday blues, I made a plan to attend the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association (SCVA) annual meeting and cocktail party, and tried on several festive ensembles to get in the mood.  Tossing aside Santa hats and jingle bells, I eventually landed on a black cashmere hoodie, black pants and a black trench coat. “It’s not depressing, it’s elegant,” I rasped at the dog, who was munching on a Hanukkah boney she’d found under the menorah.

I’ll say this: SCVA President and CEO Roberta Byron-Lockwood sure knows how to throw a party. TBH (look it up!) she knows how to do a lot of things, but for the sake of argument, I’ll focus for a minute. 

Held at Bethel Woods, the soiree was just what the doctor ordered and offered an incredible array of tasty food, a convivial atmosphere and an optimistic year-end report and awards ceremony hosted by Roberta and vice-chairperson Scott Samuelson. Honorees Rick Lander, Adam Jacobson, Douglas Shindler and Michael Davis, and Claire Marin were all present to accept their awards. Barbara Gref spoke on behalf of Bethel Woods itself, and Bill Sipos was awarded the “surprise” President’s Award. All were honored for their contributions to the hospitality industry, promoting tourism and economic growth. 

I had left the pooch at home, so I made my goodbyes and drove away, swatting at the cobwebs in my mind.

Having read that John Mighton’s play “Half Life” would be presented at the Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre, (HPAC) I made a reservation for the next night, but not without some reservations. Co-directed by Standing People Together’s Caroline Baillie and Eric Feinblatt, the play revolves around two nursing home residents who meet and fall in love. The story is described in the program as one that “explores memory and memory loss, the toll that loss takes on families, and what shines through when memory fades.” Just in time for the holidays.

Thoughtfully directed, smartly staged, and presented in the round, the play featured a talented cast of local actors who were quite amazing. Cass Collins, Thomas Cambridge, Cynthia Crisp, Lexee McEntee, Jim Stratton, James Sullivan, Elizabeth Hope Williams and Bill Williams provided the audience with a snapshot glimpse into the lives of these characters via a series of thought-provoking scenes that propelled the storyline. 

I slipped a John Prine CD into the player and sang along.

“You know that old trees just grow stronger

And old rivers grow wilder every day

Old people just grow lonesome

Waiting for someone to say, ‘Hello in there, hello.’”

In order to shake off sad, mopey feelings, and frightened about what the future might hold, I dug up a cute holiday sweater (for the dog, not me) on Saturday and made my way to Callicoon, NY and a perennial favorite. 

Dickens on the Delaware is a town-wide celebration of all things Charles Dickens, replete with strolling carolers, shopkeepers and townsfolk decked out in Victorian finery. As a horse-drawn carriage made its way through town, The Farm Arts Collective (FAC) drew a huge crowd of onlookers as they breathed life into some of Dickens’ most colorful characters.

Under the guidance of founder Tannis Kowalchuk, the FAC troupe of players made their way through the tiny hamlet, playing out bits and pieces of memorable moments from famous novels in this inspired bit of theatrical hi-jinks. While “Dickens” has always been a good time, it is my humble opinion that Kowalchuk has raised the stakes and reinvigorated the franchise, and I can’t wait to see what she and her troupe of players bring to the table next time around.

A Dickensian atmosphere is both entertaining and depressing, so being the morose, single, sometimes lonely chap that I am, I allowed John Prine to wash over me (again) on the way home, as I considered growing older. 

“So if you’re walking down the street sometime

And spot some hollow ancient eyes

Please don’t just pass ‘em by and stare

As if you didn’t care

Say, ‘Hello in there, hello.’”

For more on Standing People Together, visit www.wasteforlife.org. 

Learn more about Tannis and Co. at www.farmartscollective.org.