Quieting down the season of Christmas was a reluctant result of the weather……snow, freezing rain and then more snow. We three kings of orient…..became we three females of Frances Street, staying in our warm jammies on Christmas morning, drinking coffee and mimosas…looking out the front window at the growing icicles.
The tree was up, the outdoor lights were embedded in the icicles hanging from the eaves, the nativity entourage was on the fireplace hearth, the wreath was on the door, the quiche came out of the oven and Christmas began….not what we planned….but Christmas none-the-less. Family traditions are strong…..so without the opening stocking with grandkids, the shower of exchanged gifts, a dessert buffet filled with goodies after a huge meal, and relatives in every corner, the quiet was unnerving. But then, a peaceful wave of relief came over me. I wasn’t worried about who might not like their present……we had already decided to give to the local food bank instead of exchanging gifts. I didn’t spend myself into months of debt. The weather provided the imposed relief from braving horrible roads and driving with the tension that only black ice can give you. The roads were impassible. Nor, did I worry about gaining extra pounds from Mom’s irresistible fudge and countless cookies. The carrot sticks, broccoli and green beans that accompanied our sweet potatoes and ham dinner was perfect. Then, I realized, we don’t have to be held hostage by one date on the calendar….there is Christmas wherever there is love, whenever you choose to share it with whomever you are with. What a Christmas gift this lesson is….one to carry into a Happy New Year.
1 comment:
Absolutely! As much as we missed you, I've had to learned that lesson over and over myself. It's more common that we spend quiet ecclectic holidays, than big family ones, and you just have to decide that it is what it is, and once you do, it liberates you to enjoy what it is. Nice post.
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