Merry CHRISTmas!

It seemed to me that Christmas came a lot faster this year, maybe because Thanksgiving was so late. I used to be that person that had all my shopping done by October, and gifts wrapped by Thanksgiving, so that I could use my “free” time to make cookies, go to parties or concerts, check out all the cool light displays, etc. I’m not like that anymore – my gifts aren’t wrapped with all the themed elegant paper and ribbons like I used to do, and I’m lucky to make one batch of chocolate chip or sugar cookies instead of all the different kinds plus candies that I used to crank out. I think this year, more than ever before, I’ve focused on what’s really important, because this year, things were really different.
We celebrated the first part of Christmas Eve with my parents, my sister and brother-in-law, and my niece and her husband. My nephew and his family weren’t with us because they moved to Texas earlier this year and had a lot of visits to cram into a few short days. Although both my parents are still with us, my mom’s health is rapidly declining, and it’s heartbreaking to watch.
We then drove an hour to Robert’s mom’s house, where only 2 of his sisters and their families were with us this year, which made it a little less crowded in my MIL’s small living room, but still noisy with the sounds of 5 toddlers under the age of 3 and a newborn. I clung to my knitting as a matter of self-defense. I drank several Diet Coke’s with Lime to load up with caffeine to help me stay awake to keep Robert awake as we drove the hour’s drive home at 1 a.m.
We woke up this morning at 9ish and opened our gifts to each other. We really cut back this year because we’re saving for a big trip, but it was still a nice time. Then we had lunch at my sister’s, and I got to visit with my nephew and see his kids open their gifts from us. (Note: for future Christmases, Connor really likes things that shoot small projectiles toward unsuspecting guests.) Back home, and to one thing that has been a consistent tradition on Christmas afternoon (partly from being up so late on Christmas Eve) – a long nap while the 24 hours of “A Christmas Story” is on in the background. Although how I always wake up at exactly the same part as the one that was playing when I dozed off continues to astound me.
I don’t know what next Christmas will bring, or who will be with us to celebrate. But one thing I do know is that the meaning of this season remains eternally constant.
“For to us a child is born,
to us a Son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
I pray that you and your have a blessed Christmas!