1960s: Another Christmas, another year begins

By the time Christmas comes around, Barbara has settled well into her little community. She helps with the gardening in the community garden above one of the stores, goes to listen to music in the music studio, and make and sell her artwork with the others. The community is supportive, helping each other with everything from baby sitting to making - or finding - things. No one has much money but no one really cares either.




In Oasis Springs, another birthday is on the horizon, and Susan finds herself out of the spotlight as Michael is ready to start high school after Christmas Break. On Christmas eve, things are still what they usually are. Thomas has bought a tree and the kids all help decorate it, even if Michael drags his feet a bit and mumbles a bit about not being a kid anymore. "Oh stuff it! You know you love it!" Susan retorts.

 

As usual it's a lot of Betty's family that shows up. Her parents and sisters, and her brother with his wife and two kids. It's the one time of year they see the entire Ellis family, but of course a lot of the Sinclairs show up too. Not everyone, though. "It's a long drive from San Sequoia," Barbs says on the phone. "And I'll see you tomorrow, anyway."

The party goes well either way, and Michael loves the attention he's getting.

Betty has made a grand meal, and when everyone is fully stuffed on food it's time for Michael to blow out his candles.

But from a neat little boy, comes a teenager with far too long hair. At least if you ask his father. "All the kids are wearing it like this now!" he tells his dad. "Some longer." Longer? Thomas thanks for small mercies.



The next day is Christmas Day, and so the family gathers again (minus the Ellis-family) at Josephine and Nash's place for Christmas celebration. This day everyone shows up, filing into the modest house all at once. It gets crowded, but that's the way Josephine wants it. She's made turkey for everyone and loves doting on all her grandchildren.




Nash gets to dote on his youngest grand child, little Abby, and gives into his childish side when he opens presents with the kids.

And Barbs get to ask advice from other moms, something not many around Celebration Square is. "You're wearing your hair longer," Betty comments, while still watching her own children to make sure they're not making a mess of the house.
"Who has time to cut it?" Barbs laugh. "Between the business and her I barely have time to shower. Well bathe, there is no shower. I'm considering just letting it grow naturally, it would be less of a bother."



But while crowded is just what Josephine wants, some of the kids still slip out after dinner to play outside where there is more room.

But as Christmas passes, New Years is quickly approaching with an end to the first half of the decade. For Barbara, this means rushing home to San Sequoia, and the community she calls home. The community gardens are going to be full this night, with people sharing food, drinks, music and dance. They start out in the rooftop gardens, adults and children alike, eating as the sun sets.




As the lights from their homemade lanterns turn on, they toast in the year to come and give their new years resolutions.
"Such a bourgeoise thing to do, really," Ginsberg, who is in town for the holidays, says, but happily shares his own at the same time.



When the night gets to chilly and the kids are all to bed, the party continues in the studio. Someone has brought in a tv, for the new years special, which makes almost everyone complain, even though they are still watching, cheering as 1964 turns to 1965.





But the best thing with the start of the new year, is returning home to Abby and holding her tight before going to sleep.