December Musing
It is quiet tonight after a full month of being on the go. Through a tiny little window of time I pause, looking toward Christmas preparation. It is a welcome moment of rest and I embrace it. We have been busy welcoming a new granddaughter, hosting guests and taking care of people we love.
Some of my thinking wanders to the news that our holidays may be disappointing because things we want may be in short supply. For our family, supply issues are not that big a deal. I don’t want to be misunderstood, we love the tradition of gift giving, but that is not the main thing. So as I plan, I am looking for ways to reinforce and strengthen the love we share. Contributing to memories that cannot be taken from us is foremost in my mind.
For me, there is also a learning curve this year because our holiday traditions are in process. We are navigating all of the inevitable changes that come as our grown children form their own traditions. I want to embrace the changes without sadness. I am grateful that our children look for ways to include us as they make their plans. I am grateful that we have a family held together by love, not obligation.
Things are not perfect. It is a struggle for me knowing that we will not all be together for Christmas Day. Then I realize that though the “big day” will be different, our celebration will be longer, lasting several days to match the growth in our family. - Let's be real, sleeping in on Christmas morning sounds kind of nice. So we will choose a different day to be together and these new family units will have time in their own homes for the “big day” this year.
Our Christmas Day meal will still include family & friends and there will be room to invite others. Imagining what it will look and sound like as our grandchildren awaken to a special time with their moms and dads will give me joy. Our Christmas will be a little different, but it will be bigger; an expanded version of all that we enjoy.
I pray that you will be able to savor the traditions you share with loved ones and embrace the changes that come as well. May you have a warm and blessed Christmas this year!