26 December 20XX
My Dear Lucilius:
Boxing Day! Yes, I know, two missives in two days – but if there is anyone that will keep these minor holidays alive it will be us.
It just so happened that young Xerxes came by to check in this very afternoon. In a fit of holiday spirit I gifted him with a bit of coffee and a chocolate in a bag and sent him on his way. He had no idea why I was giving this to him, so of course I had to explain Boxing Day (which he had never heard of). I am not completely sure he believed that it was a real thing, but to say that he was grateful is an understatement. Such things seem luxuries when a few months ago – or an age ago, it was – they were common place.
I know you will find me a fool for doing such a thing – after all, we are in the dead of Winter after an economic and societal collapse with no indication of when – or if – it will end. And perhaps, in a real and meaningful way, you are right.
But if civilization is to restart, it will never be by decree or fiat (it never has been, of course: emperors and kings cannot decree it so in the past, no matter what their desires). It will be the connection of a thousand strands of self-interest and kindness that sometimes have little to do with the building of anything except the human spirit.
And fortunately for all of us, kindness is a gift that is never out of style.
I've heard the term boxing day but always assumed it meant boxing up unwanted gifts to return the day after Christmas. But based upon this letter, I googled it and found out it is a much older term than I had imagined and meant something totally different.
ReplyDeleteEd, if you want a hoot look up Wren Day. Also in December.
DeleteAlthough these "chapters" are quite sad, I do enjoy them. Thank you!
ReplyDeletesbrgirl - Thank you for the compliment!
DeleteSurvival literature, in my experience anyway, is often either "Gritty realism" or overt anger/fear. Those would play a role, I suppose - but I suspect that there is a sense of loss when a civilization fails and you exist after the fact. One wonders what the average Byzantine of 1454 or Anglo-Saxon of 1067 or Chinese citizen in 1912 felt. The same location, the same items, in some cases the same actors - yet everything would be different.
Joy in the little things. That's something most folks have lost in their busy lives in a busy world.
ReplyDeleteIt is true, Leigh. Something I am reminded of time and again - there are days where simply listening to the rabbits eat their hay in the morning is more meaningful than the rest of the day.
DeleteWonderful post, TB. Sorry for the late comment. *hugs* and God bless.
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda!
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