Merry Christmas!

When I was a new mother, I dreamed of Christmastime filled with family, a beautiful meal, and lots of warm feelies. You know, a Hallmark Christmas. 

I think I had many of those growing up, kind of. Maybe not so spectacular. My fondest memory is of my Mom's Christmas tree; it always had blue lights, and she left it on all night. If I was up in the night, it was a special sight. I think it must have been like the light in the barn where Jesus was born:  just the light from the stars and so peaceful. If I miss anything about our little family Christmas, it is the blue lights. 

My best memories of big family Christmases are right here, where I live today. The dining table (my great grandmother's table, still in my dining room) had all the leaves in it and set with Grandma's Currier and Ives blue china. The kitchen was crowded with Grandma, Mom and Aunt Lee hurrying to put a meal on the table. Oh, the smells of turkey and stuffing and pie crust just right! Tam and I fighting over who washes and dries. The tree was a pasture cedar and wasn't overly decorated. Presents after dinner were simple and heartfelt, just two each. The TV never came on. No one had a phone. 

But Hallmark? That has never come to pass. It isn't in me to be that spectacular and I want too much to get it all done. Instead, we made our own special traditions. We had a belief that gifting needed to be special and not extravagant. Baby Jesus got three gifts, and we thought that was plenty (and stockings!). We changed dinner, fixing something we all loved - the Mexican Christmas, the Lasagna Christmas, the soup Christmas, and that tradition continues. 

Now my warm feelies come from being around family and friends. Seeing our children, if only for the day we are together. A lunch with my bestie, exchanging gifts in the Olive Garden. Messing up the serving line, according to the Vande boys! Watching the kids play with new toys. Sitting with Frank after the smoke clears and savoring the day and being  grateful for the memories made. 

Christmas, like all holidays, is a time for family and memories. Nothing flashy. Nothing more is necessary. Time to tell folks you love them and how much they mean to you. 

After all, don't all Hallmark movies have a happy ending, no matter what?!

Thanks for reading my writing this year. 

Merry Christmas!