Christmas Eve

December 24, 2015

Today has been a day of reflection. Remembering Christmas Eve's of the past. In the beginning when it was just the two of us we would spend time at each of our parent's homes. Then, since we where lucky and everyone got along, for a couple of years we had both families come to our house Christmas Eve to celebrate. Eventually everyone was married with children and celebrating the Christmas Season with our own families.

I remember so many Christmas Eve's walking up the church steps with our children, some years with snowflakes coming down, thinking how special it was to be able to join with family and friends at Mass celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. Then coming home and putting the baby in the manager to start our Christmas Eve together sitting by the tree celebrating the evening. Such special years when the wonder of the season was in their eyes.

Then grandchildren came along  and for a couple of Christmases we were lucky enough to have them all under one roof with us. The joy of being able to go to Mass, maybe I should say attempting, as a family, and celebrating the child's birth. Then coming home and after putting Jesus in the manger having them open the bags with their pajamas in, changing into them, and sitting together by the tree. Then waking up Christmas morning to the excitement of Santa having left gifts under the tree.

One of the best parts of Christmas morning is the mess
made of wrapping paper. There is something special
about a room with children sitting in the middle
of the colorful paper like the little gifts they are.

This is our second year being "snowbirds" we love the lifestyle. The one drawback is being away from our children, grandchildren, family, and friends.  It is especially hard during the Christmas Season to be missing out on special moments with our children and grandchildren. Yet, Tom and I realize how lucky we are to have each other when so many are alone.

Tonight Tom and I will be thinking of and missing our children and grandchildren as we Celebrate the Birth of Jesus Christ at Mass. We will also be thinking of and missing our families and those no longer with us.

Our Christmas wish for each of  you is that you always know how much you are loved!

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas!

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!