I joined a new challenge called Holidailies... to blog every day from December 1st until January 1st.
There are several prompts on the Home page for Holidailies but I am veering off that path today to talk about having rituals.
A very comforting part of the Holiday Season (regardless of how/what is celebrated) is the ritual that goes with the celebration. Since I've been doing some research and reading about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, I've got an even deeper appreciation of rituals. There aren't too many rituals I "have to have" during the holidays other than spending time with my family in structured times. Otherwise, I do not decorate the same from year to year--some years I have a tall artificial tree, some years I don't have any decorations around--and I think for me because the holidays are once a year, there aren't deep rituals for me.
On the other hand, I do have rituals in my daily life. I guess I had always considered it my routine but when I test myself by not sticking to the routine, I've come to realize it's more than a mere routine and the actions become my rituals. For instance, every Sunday for over a year I have gone to Al's diner in Mars Hill for dinner. Nine out of ten times I have the same meal, enough times that not only the waitresses but the cook know what I'm ordering and sometimes have the order up before I've taken my book out.
There's a comfort in having predictability. There's a comfort in being known as a regular customer and being that familiar face; and the excellent service being a regular offers. Plus, one of the waitresses is becoming a friend--what more can you ask for?
I get on a kick, where I am totally and completely besotted with something or other, but Al's has been one of the longest kicks ever. I also like going there because I don't feel uncomfortable going by myself... unlike, say, Ruby Tuesday that makes me feel uncomfortable. And, I say I go every week but I really don't... I get there two or three times a month.
So, yes, there really is an Al. There really is an Al's Diner. I'll try to remember my camera next weekend to take pictures of my favorite meal.
1 comment:
There's an Al's in my hometown, but I've never been in it because they're one of the last restaurants to challenge the village smoking ban. (Since the state law goes into effect on 1/1/08, I think they simply have to comply.)
I have a ritual, or routine, myself. At least one morning each week I have breakfast at the same coffee shop. Usually eggs. Saturday mornings are so hectic (vet, post office, dry cleaner, etc.) that when I'm done with the errands I think I deserve a reward.
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