The night before . . . there are three "night befores" in my life that I have treasured. The "night before" we left on family vacation as a kid . . . Christmas Eve . . . and New Year's Eve. All three bring memories of excitement, anticipation, fun, planning, staying up all night, and family.
So on this "night before" my blog post is to go up, I find myself in a different sort of mood as I write. I am not having the Christmas that I normally have, nor that I planned to have. That is not necessarily always bad when plans change, but I have definitely learned to adapt and go on the past several weeks.
First our oldest child, our son Todd, won't be able to bring his family and come up from South Texas. We always have such a great time when they come. The house is crowded and I spend two weeks preparing food for the freezer. We play games, watch movies, sled, shoot guns, invite grandparents over, and occasionally probably get on each others' nerves . . . not so much though. :)
Surgery, sale of house, house shopping, self-owned business, and full-time job are keeping them home for the next few weeks.
Secondly, my family unit as I have known it for my entire life is once again making a shift . . . as I age, and my parents age . . . we adjust. Hard things.
So as I planned to write about the last minute hustle and bustle before 13 people hit my doorstep . . . I am quietly writing to you tonight . . . the freezer is nearly bare . . . but the car is loaded with gifts, overnight bags are packed, and yes I'm feeling excitement and anticipation, and I will probably stay up late just enjoying the season. We will be off tomorrow to spend a wonderful Christmas with our daughter and her family. Enjoyed supper out with my parents tonight. More family Christmas on the 26th and even New Year's Day! Blessed . . . even in the midst of change, disappointment, and new traditions. "Christmas, children, is not a date. It is a state of mind" – Mary Ellen Chase.
Enjoy your Christmas Eve! Read the story in Luke 2 . . . the first Christmas. Cozy up by the fire with a cup of hot tea and enjoy your favorite Christmas book. Share a movie with a friend. Watch for Santa! Love those you are with.
Merry Christmas!
