Year after year of experiencing the same holidays…One would think it would get as monotonous as watching Miracle on 34th Street for the 99th time. But Christmas never disappoints.
Another year of the preparation, the packing for Ohio, celebrations with both sides of the family, Christmas mass packed with people, followed by days at home with colds and sicknesses. On the whole it seems the same, but every Christmas puts a spotlight on what’s different this year, amongst the traditions that keep a rhythm of comfort, love, and expectancy.
I told Matt we might have 90 experiences of celebrating the Christmas season. God wants to teach us something through each one. Nuances sprinkled in amidst a familiar story that can never be exhausted.
This year I was extra grateful for the mixing of the generations. We have so much to learn from one another. How does Christmas look in the stages of life to come?
My mom must have engaged the help of Santa’s entire fleet of elves this year. These pictures are only for our Advent Angel dinner for our 42ish immediate family members that she prepared. I should show you a picture of her bedroom, Santa’s second workshop, which was cleaned out Christmas morning as the presents surrounded the tree. My parents’ generosity and love are displayed extravagantly at Christmas time, as they always appear to be the most peaceful and joyful of all.
My mother-in-law has always been so welcoming and loving to us and her husband’s (Pops) family, and it showed again even after a rough year for her medically. I couldn’t believe she and Pops hosted Christmas after moving to a new house in November and she started another round of treatments this month. The power of love and faith can do incredible things. She’s taught me so much about living in gratitude this year.
Grandpa’s fragility was alarming for me to see, and so was the strength he showed to attend the party. 92 years of Christmases! I’m sure he was missing Grandma, her 2nd Christmas gone. He was adamant about setting up a scavenger hunt for the kids in the living room, and later allowed each small kid to sit on his lap and take a ride on his new scooter. He’s in a stage of receptivity and reliance on others – so grateful he has such a wonderful family who take care of him.
We were once kids! How differently we see Christmas now, and we need their vision to remind us. The wonder! The awe! The joy! The simplicity!
Lord God, thank you for this Christmas season of 2023. I have much to be grateful for, and today it’s for the generations of family you have given me. Thank you for your work in them and through them to teach us about life and love, faith and hope. I am blessed beyond measure, and ask you to bless all future generations of our families. May we continue the good work of telling each new generation of your mighty acts and proclaim your power and love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
My Heart, My Home 