16 December 2008
Madcap Christmas Magic
Posted by Robin Easton under: Hobnobbin' with Robin .
I decided to set my spirit free with some laughter today, and since my last video “Behind the Desert of My Eyes” was about men’s tears, I felt it was important to share some humor. I believe laughing and crying are close cousins. Both are equally healing, as well as powerful stress relievers. In the following video I share with you a wacky story about one of the “unique” things my family did at Christmas. It is my gift to you.
For me Christmas is time spent with my sweetheart, time to get away from phones, computers and email…and into nature. It is a time to reassess my life, where I’ve been and where I’m headed. Time to ensure that I walk this journey with my eyes wide open. 
Although I love the magic of Christmas I don’t like the mass consumerism, the killing of trees, the wasted wrapping paper, and the often frantic pressure to meet certain cultural expectations of the holiday. The greatest gift we can give another human being is Love…actively lived.
On a lighter note: no trees were killed in the making of this film! The juniper bows you’ll see on my piano HAD to be cut so the mailman could still use the walkway. The glass globes were purchased at Goodwill (a secondhand store) and are very old. I decorated the piano just for you. However, I didn’t have time to tune it. But its honky tonk tones add to the madcap quality of the video. This is the first time I’ve ever played “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. Since I can’t read music I am playing solely from a ten-year-old’s memory. (Chuckles) Hope you enjoy!
I wish you a joyous season filled with laughter and love, and thank you for the love, wisdom and compassion you have bestowed upon me through these pages. You continue to touch my heart. I look forward to visiting you.
Much Love,
Robin
PS: I will be away for several days on a much needed computer-free break I want to cleanse my mind and spirit of technology and connect to Nature. However, you’ll still be able to post comments. I’ll try and respond to some before I go and I look forward to the rest when I return. I am off to hike and explore more ancient ruins here in New Mexico.
“MADCAP CHRISTMAS MAGIC” - (Phase 1)
This Site: © Robin Easton
Website: http://www.nakedineden.com
Blog:http://nakedineden.com/nakedinedenblog/
34 Comments so far...
Tara S. Dickherber, M.Ed, CPC Says:
16 December 2008 at 6:55 pm.
Laughter is the best medicine. You don’t need a prescription and the most notable side effect is a sore tummy which only means your worked your abs! Enjoy your technology break!
Robin Replies:
Hi Dear Tara, thanks for stopping by. 
You know, I always laugh…I mean, everyday, but just the last few days since doing this video I am realizing how healing it is. As to it being medicinal, did you know that in India they have dozens of laughter groups, where people meet at a certain time each day and JUST laugh?!! I love that idea. Kids will laugh just for laughter’s sake. My sweetheart and I do the same. It gets one through so many situations that could be taken in and stored as pain. But when we can laugh at ourselves it somehow releases all that might be stored…and doesn’t need to be. It’s almost like laughter can vaporize tensions, stress, even fear and anger. Laughter is like sunlight.
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Shirley Says:
16 December 2008 at 7:30 pm.
Your laughter is absolutely infectious! I almost cried I was laughing so hard. By the way you wouldn’t happen to know what figgy pudding is would you? Had to sing it in choir and it seemed awful demanding.
Robin Replies:
Hey my dear Shirley!!! Your words here just mean the world to me. I sense in our communications that we both LOVE to laugh. We have a lot similarities in what tickles us. We sure had some fun with those squirrels, didn’t we?!! Ha Ha! —I have heard of figgy pudding but i don’t know what it is…hold on…
Okay, I’m back. I just Googled it and here it is just for you because you are such a good friend, dear to my heart! It’s at this link (recipe and all) and it sounds sinfully delicious: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Figgy_pudding Although if you had to sing it in chore and it was “demanding” you may not want to make it. LOL! However, I think they had it wrong. If they had served it to the chore instead of making you sing it….you’d no doubt have drooling memories of it. Hugs, Robin!
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Evita Says:
16 December 2008 at 7:43 pm.
Wow Robin and Wow again – your videos are so pleasant and so, so, so very uplifting to watch. One cannot help to get right into that moment with you as you explain things and feel as if they are right there, how amazing! I would ask how do you do it? But I know – you are just so real and you experience life so consciously – you really FEEL the moment. How rare of a trait that is in today’s world. Fantastic story from your childhood and so warm and precious. May everyone have at least one such beautiful story from their childhood to hold within their hearts
Now let me get back to what you wrote in paragraph 2…my goodness Robin, I LOVE how you think. As much as I love seeing people get together and enjoy family and holiday time…one has to be aware of how much environmental damage goes into this. I am not proud to say, but I almost refrain from saying what you said in paragraph two to most people around me because people look at you like a scrooge or something and definitely do not relate. But in truth I know we can be loving and caring and kind without killing the environment, without sacrificing trees and all the other things you talked about and most importantly without sabotaging ourselves and our spirits with material items. Ah, it feels so good to be my true transparent self here on your site and with you!
Finally good for you for getting away from technology for a bit and reconnecting, we need those moments so much to remain true to who we really are and remember what it is all REALLY about. We are actually doing the same as we will be leaving for Cuba on the 25th for a week to just bask in the sun and feel the Earth under our feet, take lots of beautiful pictures and yes to not see or touch a computer for a whole week!
And so I wish you also the best of everything that life, not just a holiday season offers. You already possess so much love, life and beauty that really I can only wish you more of that!
In love and light, may you always be blessed and thank you for the gift of your presence in my life again! Enjoy yourself to the fullest as always
Robin Replies:
“Wow Evita and Wow again!!”….re: You comment. You are so aware of the world around you. I am touched by how much you knowingly perceive. —Speaking or doing a video like this is so fun for me as I DO get to be myself. I am realizing that since I started the videos that it is so much easier for me than writing; with speaking or video I get to just flow. I seem to come to life in another whole way or level….more like how I am day-to-day in my life as opposed to my “writing” blog life. I feel I can be more of me which is very animated and spontaneous, where written words sometimes slow me down. I also learned a long time ago that if I was going to do a talk (speak) that I HAD to be myself or I couldn’t think. LOL! Seriously, I would go blank, and I also would have to go up into my head and think with my brain as opposed to my WHOLE being, my heart and soul and every cell of ME. I knew that if I stepped away from who I am that I no longer existed. I also learned that in being fully ME that it created an kinetic energy that flows between me and the person or group I talk with, connecting us all, creating a force all of it’s own. It brings us all to Life. —-I too love seeing people get together and sharing and laughing…I always will. Like you, I also have to do it consciously in regard to the Earth and my wild friends. For them, for me, for all of us. Thank you for understanding and deeply appreciating that awareness. —I wish you a relaxing and joyous vacation. You soak up that sun, girl! Love, Robin
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horatio salt Says:
16 December 2008 at 8:11 pm.
thanks for this window into your less serious side. i grinned from start to finish. then i realized i hadn’t even been following your story. i was grinning because your laugh was burbling up like a spring in the woods to soothe my thirsty soul…
burbling:
1. A gurgling or bubbling sound, as of running water in a stream.
2. uttered with unrestrained enthusiasm; to babble as a child.
…such an appropriate double meaning for a woman who shares her unbridled zest for nature as generously as you do.
Robin Replies:
Dear HS, what a delightful word: “burbling”. I had not heard that one. It’s very delicious!! One of those juicy words that if I were a kid I would go around the house driving everyone crazy saying it over and over again. LOL! I just realized what I wrote and it SO relates to the second definition of burbling. That is very cool. It is also a beautiful word, less known. It wiggles around inside me and leave me feeling happy. —-Also, thank you for taking the time to watch my video and for your beautiful words of encouragement. They are lovely and poetic, and mean much. Hugs, Robin
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Alexander M Zoltai Says:
16 December 2008 at 9:21 pm.
Whew!
Now, I know what to post on Christmas Day!!
Thank you, dear bubbling spiritual sweetly wacko Lady!!!
~ Alex from Our Evolution
Robin Replies:
Hey Alex my friend, I chucked over this comment…I love it. Very happy and spontaneous! And now of course you got my curiosity up as to what you will post on Christmas. This I can’t wait to see. Big hugs from this “wacky lady”.
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Walter Says:
16 December 2008 at 10:48 pm.
As a doctor of Voodoo science; it is my absolute unqualified diagnosis that you are indeed suffering from PHSD. That is referred to as, (post hilarious stress disorder) Not to worry, it will only get more intense as you get older. Thank you Robin, I enjoyed your music and story very much.
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Lilly Says:
17 December 2008 at 2:43 am.
What a great video Robin and whenever I hear that tune I will think of your story and hear your gorgeous laugh. Your Dad sounds a fun guy too. One cant help but laugh out loud with you when watching that. I like Horatio Salt’s comment about your burbling. How wonderful is that? You are truly beautiful inside and out (your hair is amazing my friend as well).
I sincerely hope you have a great few days away and cannot wait to see what Phase 2 is going to bring. I think the videos are a wonderful idea Robin. You are a natural in every sense of the word. Now what was that map of that was on the wall behind you in the video or was I seeing things? Take care Lilly
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cindy Says:
17 December 2008 at 5:52 am.
Robin, Happy Holidays to you! Enjoy your time away. I enjoyed your video!
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Janet Gardner Says:
17 December 2008 at 6:03 am.
Hi Robin,
Your laugh is infectious. Thanks for the laughs, it is one of the best medicines out there. I agree with your thoughts on the Holiday. To much commericalism and waste. I wish you a Very Merry Christmas!! Enjoy your reconnecting with nature. Talk to you when you get back.
Janet
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Shirley Says:
17 December 2008 at 7:51 am.
Lol! Squirrels! Here’s you a whole bunch! I really like the white one http://images.google.com/images?q=squirrels&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7GPCK_enUS302&um=1&sa=N&tab=wi
The figgy pudding does sound yummy. Might have to try it for New Years.
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Julie Says:
17 December 2008 at 9:36 am.
Oh, what FUN, Robin!! On several levels… Laughter is TERRIFIC! WHAT great release it is!! You wouldn’t remember this, but on a TV show some time ago, a sour character continually tried practicing what he called “smile therapy.” Paint on a smile, go about your day, and just SEE if it doesn’t cheer you! It works. Just as you demonstrated so well, once you start laughing, it’s contagious—even for yourSELF!
On another level… Robin, your dad sounds like mine! He would drape spaghetti over his ears at the supper table and wouldn’t say a word, would just wait until one of us noticed and then crack up laughing. (ah, warm, happy memories come rushing at me right now…) He made a game of everything, even learning. We had impromptu geography lessons disguised as an alphabet game… oh, so many fun things like that. FUN! Life is supposed to be FUN!
I won’t try to be as eloquent as either of you, but I’m right with you and Evita about what’s truly important. You said it so simply and clearly when you said “…the greatest gift…love actively lived.” You demonstrate it so well, by asking us to think about our place and responsibility on Earth and to open up, have fun.
Have a beautiful retreat and a lovely holiday!
Robin, many thanks for all you ARE and all you DO, and LOTS of warm love to you! ~ Julie
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timethief Says:
17 December 2008 at 1:29 pm.
What a delightful video and what wonderful family memories you have. I’m so glad you shared them and it’s wonderful to see and hear you. If we ever get together Robin the similarities in appearance and in gestures that we have will just blow your mind.
Have a wonderful and happy holiday filled with love.
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Debbie Hartmann Says:
17 December 2008 at 8:05 pm.
Great video! Thanks for the shared laughs and for sharing all your memories!
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wigwam2theorem Says:
17 December 2008 at 9:33 pm.
Wow, that was a fantastic video! Thanks for sharing!
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Doc Says:
18 December 2008 at 1:53 pm.
Loved it! I have played piano for 30 years and it astonishes me that you are just able to play like that…I would love for you to do a video of what it was like for you the first time you came out of the rain forest and decided to play. What exactly did you sit down and play? Robin, you have no idea how many times I have wondered about that as a musician. It amazes me what the human mind is capable of.
For me the family song is “Silent Night” we always go to midnight christmas eve service and there is something really special about everyone holding their candles and singing silent night. The version I play I’ve played since I was a little kid in first grade at my first recital, but I can just play it so many different ways that it keeps me entertained, and it always make me think of my dad proudly singing next to me. That song always gives me goosebumps, and maybe a few tears.
Happy Holidays everyone! I wish you a Merry Christmas too Rob!
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Mary Noonan Says:
18 December 2008 at 3:00 pm.
I smiled then laughed through listening your dear video. My Dad would line us all up- there were 10 kids in my family, for inspection before church on Sunday- checking hair, hands, shoes, etc… so, that was the best part for me. A very happy and blessed holiday season to you and your sweetheart. Love- MTN
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Anonymous Says:
18 December 2008 at 4:34 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
You make me smile! Just returned from our own getaway down to the south island. Ah, bountiful Nature! Hope your trip was just fantastic. Merry Christmas my wonderful friend.
Aroha,
Robb
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Robb Says:
18 December 2008 at 7:20 pm.
Kia ora Robin,
Just to let you knoww that was me above!
Aroha,
Robb
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eddie Says:
19 December 2008 at 11:44 am.
Robin, this begs the question..how has so much ‘enthusiasm’ been contained in your one mortal coil?
you are a ‘character’ of the highest order!
cheers
e
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soulMerlin Says:
19 December 2008 at 5:17 pm.
Well Robin! A career on-stage or on tv could be the next stage. You’re really fab’ – the whole thing had me laughing along. You are truly crazy. On 2nd thoughts, think carefully before venturing into show-biz…you’d have to swap the real trees for the artificial ones. But you are so funny
xh
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Jennifer Says:
20 December 2008 at 3:50 am.
Robin — I have to echo what timethief said: it is great to see and hear you, to catch your infectious laughter. It’s a wonderful, funny story, too.
I hope you have a peaceful holiday.
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Liara Covert Says:
20 December 2008 at 8:34 am.
I just love how you incorporate the snow angel into this post. People often forget angels have a sense of humour! We can learn from Nature and its connections to the spirit world and our soul.
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earthmother Says:
20 December 2008 at 5:33 pm.
Ah, Robin, that laugh of yours. I could just watch a video of you yucking it up! You’re like the Laughing Yogi.
I had a delightfully kooky Dad too. I remember him singing “Deck the halls with Laurel and Hardy…” and just cracking up! I was blessed to live in a home filled with laughter. I know that magic of Christmas you speak of and it really doesn’t have anything to do with a zillion presents under the tree, garish holiday decorations, or Christmas music playing 24/7 on all the radio stations.
I hope you enjoyed communing with the Ancient Ones at the ruins this week. Wishing you and your sweetheart a peace-filled Christmas and many blessings in the New Year.
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Ophelia Rising Says:
21 December 2008 at 8:23 am.
Robin, you are TOO funny! I love this story! I especially love the image of the mailman standing there, mouth agape, while you all frantically sing. Wish I knew your family. They sound like a lot of fun! WOW!
You are lovely and sweet, and I am SO glad we can see and hear you! I would like to do something similar on my blog – at least, perhaps, with audio. Have to figure that out…
Love you, darling woman! Have a wonderful holiday! xoxoxoxo
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MadMadMargo Says:
21 December 2008 at 1:44 pm.
Wonderful video! Here’s wishing you all the magic of the season
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miriam Says:
21 December 2008 at 4:04 pm.
Dear Robin, Enjoyed both your story and your piano playing. Sorry it has taken me so long to comment on your comment. I have been busy writing and with holiday preperation. Daily stuff has impacted both my blog viewing and responding. My plan for the new year is to organize my time or just go with the flow.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.
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Walter Says:
21 December 2008 at 5:42 pm.
See, you are a one woman show! I bet you can even tap dance. I love all the rave attention you are getting.
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Stacey Huston Says:
21 December 2008 at 7:05 pm.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful, personal memory with us.. It is so great you choose to hang on to all the good from your childhood, and you should be so very proud of your parents for these wonderful memories.. We all hope that we can do the same.. enjoy your time away Robin.
Merry Christmas to you and yours..
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Hawk Says:
23 December 2008 at 5:29 pm.
Hua Kola Robin, hope all is well for you and yours , i finally made the time to do some writing on my blog and even working on my book some… thought i would stop by and wish you a Merry Christmas and see some of your wonderful writing …. keep your chin to the wind little lady and i will see you on the trail…. Pilimiyah HAWK… a/ho
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Mike Foster Says:
24 December 2008 at 4:26 pm.
Hope and peace for this holiday season and for a fantastic 2009!
peace,
mike
livelife365
Happy Holidays!
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Mel Says:
25 December 2008 at 9:47 am.
Hola Robin,
Your laugh made me laugh! hahaha
I can imagine that poor guy’s face, half frozen half shocked! hahaha
¡¡¡Feliz Navidad!!!
Merry Christmas!!!
Hugs from Peru,
Mel
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Liara Covert Says:
26 December 2008 at 7:25 pm.
As I re-read this uplifting, festive post, my mind is reminded of a bicycle my mom won when she lived briefly in Australia as a teenager. As a reward for an academic accomplishment during high school, she received a bicycle that sort of resembles the one covered in snow in your post (minus the modern gears). I think of it especially because that bike made such a long journey on a boat from Australia to where my mom settled with her family in Canada. That bicycle is still in the basement of my parents’ home. While visiting during the holidays, I was in my parents’ basement searching for particular Christmas decorations and I came across that rusty, nostalgic bike. It speaks to me. It meant a lot to her 50 years ago and it still does today, even though it is not covered in the snow and she rarely sets eyes on it. Thanks for triggering that nostalgic story in my heart. My mom has not been well and has not been in the lower basement for a very long time. She still dreams of joyous memories on that bike. Happy Holidays!
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Bird Says:
15 January 2009 at 11:48 am.
Ok, so I am kind of late in finding this particular post and have ONLY JUST realised that you are including little film clips – duh! But it would be remiss of me not to tell you what a funny engaging speaker you are – I’m sure that you hear it a billion times but that’s just me adding to the chorus. Secondly – MY GOD your father and mine seem to have been as different as chalk and cheese, my dad was completely silent and brooding and would sooner die than answer the door himself, let alone with all his kids serenading whoever called! Honestly this was sooo funny, I am sorry though as I am only going to be able to read and view your other posts as I get time while I am pecking away at my neglected work, the posts are so rich and deserve concentration rather than a quick glance over which is all I could give them. But How am I ever going to catch up? Huh? HUH? This felt like “meeting” you, I’m looking forwards to seeing the rest and I can only envy your ability to talk to a camera. I can do that with people but with cameras? Noooooo! Ok, ok I’ve calmed down now and I’m going to stop because I’m just babbling 
Robin Replies:
Hey little Bird! I laughed over this comment. It is SO full of Life and zest!!! I could almost hear you talking. Accept in my head you had an American accent! LOLOL!!! Will have to work on that one. But whenever I try to do a British accent it comes out Australian from all my years in Oz. Oh well, no matter what accent, I love this vivacious comment. Just delightful…like you. Hugs, Robin
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