When I was growing up our family Christmas celebration was always on Christmas Eve. We celebrated with my mother's sister (my aunt) and her family. The gathering began early to mid afternoon. While my father and uncle visited, my mother and aunt were busy in the kitchen preparing a fabulous dinner. As I, you probably almost smell the fresh baked rolls, turkey, ham, dressing, noodles, potatoes, and all the goodies that go with these holiday meals.
My cousin, my brother and I are anxious to get the show on the road. It looks like my uncle had placed a hundred packages under the tree, mixing them with the pile my parents had already placed there. Some are small, some large, square, rectangle, and round. All in pretty wrapping with an array of colorful bows. We cannot wait to open our gifts and to be surprised with the things that we had been yearning for and telling Santa we were expecting.
Finally, dinner was served and when everyone had eaten all they could manage, the table was cleared and the debate began. Shall we have our dessert now or later? Pecan and apple pies, date pudding with whipped cream, ice cream, and our aunt's chocolate chip cookies were always on the menu. As full as we were, it was difficult to resist. All afternoon we had grazed on fudge, divinity, peanut brittle, chocolate covered cherries, Russell Stover, and other sweets home made and exchanged among family and friends. Usually someone would say, "Let's wait til later to have dessert."
Okay, finally we move from the crowded dining room to the more jumbled living room. Extra chairs, the tree, packages, and people, seem to consume most of the space. Somehow everyone squeezes in and gets a seat. The older kids pass out gifts and the mayhem begins. Having fun and making memories, it was the most exciting time of the year.
Numerous Christmas seasons and years passed. I married Sharon and we soon found ourselves with three sons. The tradition changed but the dinners and the excitement of Christmas Eve and Christmas morning were the same. When the boys were little Christmas Eve was spent with my parents. Christmas Day was spent with Gma & Gpa Dodge, Alan, Brad and Joy, Brenda and Paul and their boys. As time went by dinners were held in our home with our sons and their families. How could it get any better? Sharing love and happy times with our children and their children.
Even more decades went by and now our boys are celebrating with their own families and their wonderful wives are preparing those delicious dinners. We are so happy they have their families and their busy lives. Several of these sweet grandchildren are kids no more but responsible adults, soon to have their own families. They will be hosting dinners and helping Santa to create memories with their children and extended family members.
We are grateful for our parents, our siblings, our sons and their beautiful wives, grandchildren and all our inlaws and outlaws as well as good friends and acquaintances. A lifetime of memories you have given us to recall as we now have so many miles between us. We miss you all, especially during these times of celebration. Just know we love you and are so proud you are in our lives. In our hearts you are close to us at this time of year as always.
MERRY CHRISTMAS to all!
WHEREVER YOU ARE IN YOUR LIFE AND TRAVELS, ENJOY THE JOURNEY.
No comments:
Post a Comment