The next big question is what am I going to wear this holiday season? I am intrigued by fashion, I read Vogue, I love beautifully constructed abstract pieces, I keep up with what is trendy, at least by middle age standards. What do I typically wear? Jeans and tee shirts.

     I have devoted a large chunk of time recently trying to find something to wear to the several events we have upcoming this holiday. On the weekends when we are both home, it’s the usual jeans and tee. Since the only real, quality time we have is Saturday and Sunday we don’t tend to go out much, content to cook dinner together, actually seeing each other with both eyes open at the same time.

     I swore to myself at the beginning of my marriage I wouldn’t become this kind of wife. I would wear sexy nightgowns, dress up when we went places, or at least wear things that matched. I would never, ever wear socks to bed. I reconcile my failure to keep up those lofty standards because most nights the only person who sees me is the dog.                                                                                            

     The Christmas Outfit has also taken on even more importance with my commitment to embrace my gray hair. I have been dying my hair since I have been 17. I have tried nearly every color imaginable including pink  If my life depended on it I would have some difficulty determining what my true hair color is or was before I started growing gray. My reasoning behind this decision is two-fold: I should be able to accept myself as I am or am becoming if anything remotely feminist I have spouted over the last 20 years is to mean anything at all and frankly, the upkeep has gotten too expensive with its frequency. Its not about fun anymore, its about maintenance.

     So far the main contender is a red vintage sparkly sweater but I can always fall back on a Piedmont Wildcat  sweatshirt and a hat if I have to!