Well, we made it to Christmas morning. It’s nice not to be working for a change. Some holidays I don’t mind having to work but Christmas isn’t one of them. I’m so glad that this isn’t a year that falls on my work nights. I’m emotionally drained and I’m even dreading returning Sunday night.
It’s early morning now and I remember when I’d still be wrapping the last few gifts for my better half. Oh yeah, that is what I’m doing up now. And yes she does all the wrapping for the kids. But the real memory was the excitement of the children when they were young. Those early years will always be special. They would wake early, some years testing if we were awake or not and just talking outside our door about whether to come in or not. Some years edging down the hallway and peeking into the family room. Then there were a few that just found them in the room and on the bed and declaring it was time and they couldn’t wait any longer.
I remember when we used to take the kids to Rainforest Cafe Xmas week and then we would drive around Howard County and look at the Christmas lights after the meal. My better half loved that. There are lots of special memories each family shares. Sometimes a special dish for the meal. Some give unique gifts. There is always one with the ugly sweater who is the life of the party.
And I could go on with examples galore, but this years holiday to many is different or missing many of the usual trappings and more importantly the people. And on the surface, it doesn’t seem to be stopping anyone from trying to celebrate the best possible way but you know it’s affecting many.
So as they say, keep putting one foot ahead of the other and repeat.
Random Thoughts on Christmas Morning
- You miss some people more on Christmas than most other days of the year.
- I got all the gifts I need before I even unwrap any today.
- If you don’t know giving is the real meaning of Christmas you missed the point. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could have that giving and compassionate spirit all the days of the year?
- Christmas’s meaning has changed a lot over the years for me. Some years the spiritual aspects have been prominent. Other years the focus on our young children’s joy. One year my better half accepted my proposal. One year when I was young the 3 of us just sat at the tree and cried for a very long time before even opening a gift. Some years I’d be driving home on Christmas morning at 5 or 6 am from working all night and have to be bright and chipper in a few hours. This year is very different also with the loss of my mother and father-in-law. So memories of them will dominate parts of the day. Some will remain unspoken and private and special. Some memories might be shared out loud. I’m sure more tears will flow.
- May everyone have a very special day and make the best of a tough situation this year.
