A Christmas conversation with Carol Lund
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ALPENA -- Out for a stroll on a mild December day, Alpena resident Carol Lund stopped for a chat about what makes her happy at Christmastime, even with her grown kids away in Colorado and California.
She and her golden retriever, Easton -- named after a sporting good brand by the hockey-loving family from whom Lund adopted him -- were both good-natured as Lund shared some of her holiday favorites.
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO CHRISTMAS?
Yes! I'm enjoying it already. I'm decorating the inside and outside of the house. I enjoy seeing the old decorations my kids made in kindergarten and elementary school that decorate the tree. That brings joy.
HAVE YOU DONE ALL YOUR CHRISTMAS SHOPPING?
I have. I only have one granddaughter, and those parents tell me what's needed. We've made Christmas into Thanksgiving, which is very few presents. Sharing joy with each other, but not many presents at all. Just stocking stuffers. Our best holiday has always been Thanksgiving -- it's meeting, having food, and having lovely time, and so we decided to make Christmas into Thanksgiving, too.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE CHRISTMAS FOOD?
Turkey. I'm so boring. Bring it all on. The stuffing, the yams, the beans. I love all the traditions.
IS THERE ANY GIFT YOU'RE EXCITED ABOUT GIVING OR GETTING THIS YEAR?
My husband and I have a project in Cambodia. My husband was a Vietnam vet, and he and some other vets put together an organization probably 12 years ago. We educate Montagnards. They were the tribal people who were so supportive of Vietnam vets during the war. Of course, the minute the United States left, they were persecuted, and many fled to Cambodia. We give high school and college education to them. This year, our children all donated to that, so that was special.
IT'S BEEN A TOUGH YEAR. WHAT'S MAKING YOU HAPPY RIGHT NOW?
Walking my dog. Receiving Christmas cards from friends from near and far away -- I'm enjoying that. I'm very frightened with the coronavirus. It's just terrifying to me. I was an only child, so I don't mind being isolated. I've entertained myself most of my life. So, my husband and I are doing fine.