As I write this on Christmas day, thirteen of our favorite people in the whole wide world aren’t even here yet, but already it’s been a blessed Christmas. A bittersweet one, since it’s our first Christmas without my mom. And yet, my heart is full of joy and happy memories.
We celebrated with Ken’s mom and two of his brothers Christmas Eve. Our fun tradition the last few years has been to go out to eat together and then to a movie. The one we watched last night got unanimous thumbs down (and I’m not even going to tell you what it was because I can’t recommend it because of the awful, AWFUL language) but we had fun laughing about how bad the movie was, and we had fun talking about how it could have been made so much better. Mostly if there had been even a glimmer of the hope God offers hurting people.
Tonight we went to my dad’s house for a quiet Christmas supper of soup and crackers. I don’t know how the tradition started in our family, but for as long as I can remember, it’s not quite Christmas till we’ve shared a humble pot of potato soup! I wept while I chopped onions and peeled potatoes, just missing my mom. But I smiled, too, knowing that she is celebrating with the One we are merely celebrating about. The plan was to go through eight boxes of family photos after supper. We got through one. But it was fun remembering and sharing the stories and the smiles.
A special treat this Christmas has been having our oldest son here for a few extra days as he transitions from Seattle to a new job in Houston. We celebrated his purchase of a new car with ice cream a few nights ago!
Tuesday, the rest of our kids and grandkids will begin arriving and things will get wonderfully crazy! I can hardly wait to see these precious faces—and hopefully get a new photo with all seven grandkids lined up on the sofa. Then my Christmas will be complete!
What was your favorite moment this Christmas season? Whether you had a holiday full of joy, or one that was touched by sadness, I hope you felt the tender touch of the God who loves you more than you can possibly imagine.”
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Deb, it is hard to adjust and to create new traditions when someone is missing. This year I was proud of our own 10 year old grandson and 9 year old grand daughter who adapted to a different routine. They are realizing that being together is the important thing, not each activity we do together. Such a joy to watch them growing up.
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Jenny. And that important reminder that while we’ll never have the “perfect” Christmas on this side of heaven, being together to celebrate the Reason for the season is the most precious thing. Merry Christmas!
Thanks for sharing your Christmas thoughts – so meaningful in many ways!
Thank YOU, Betty! Merry Christmas and may the Lord bless you abundantly in 2017!
Hi Deb, thanks for sharing your feelings about your first Christmas without your mom. I lost my my mom four years ago and it’s still bittersweet…the bitter [or actually just sad-missing because I know she’s with Jesus] is missing her on her favourite day of the year…and the sweet is being with the rest of the family.
The favourite part of the Day is remembering Jesus and all he did…becoming human, living as an ordinary human for thirty-some years, then dying for us and rising again [and I have cross ornaments on my tree because for me the cross is part of Christmas]. But a second favourite part is being with all the family. Priceless. God’s blessings to you for the rest of 2016 and all of 2017.
Oh, PS, Beautiful pics of you and your family.
Thank you so much, Diana. And I couldn’t agree more with all you said! For the last few weeks, we’ve been studying the Incarnation in our Sunday School class. It’s just beyond amazing what Jesus did for us, becoming human to be our sacrifice. I’m so grateful!
Hi Deborah…..Thanks for sharing the pictures of your family and what you did on Christmas eve.Our family had a quiet holiday with our boys.No grandchildren yet.You are blessed to have your dad and husbands parents.Both of our parents have been gone a long time. We are so blessed to be able to celebrate Christmas as we like.I try to start each day being thankful for all the blessings that I have. I really enjoy the inspired by life posts.It makes me feel like I know the authors of the books that I read.I enjoy your scripture posts.God Bless you have a Great New Year.
Thank you, Diana. I’m so glad you enjoy the Sunday Scripture posts. And I like your “start each day being thankful” philosophy! It’s a wonderful way to live!
Hi Deb, I loved hearing more about your family Christmas celebration and seeing the photos. I used some of your ideas for our family gathering and they were a great help. It was wild around here with 13 sleeping over and 17 for dinner on Christmas Day. Thanks for the warning that it would be fun by exhausting. You were so right! But it was the first time for us to be together at Christmas in 12 years, so it was all worth it. Being together at church on Christmas Day was the highlight for me. Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy see the rest of your family this week!
That’s so awesome that you could all be together, Carrie!! I saw some of your photos on Facebook and it looked like you had an awesome time! So happy for you all. We’ll have 16 under our roof, and 17 one night when Ken’s mom comes. Bracing ourselves and SO excited! 🙂
I hope you had a happy Christmas, Deb. I think my favorite was being in church on Christmas Eve. I love to read, and did so in front of ALL those people!! With the lights dim, candles burning and so many hearts in tune to the true meaning…this is Christmas. I had to keep from tearing up when I got to the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace…” No material gift compares to the wonder of this Child. Oh, the blessings I have. Knowing both of my parents are with Him gives me great peace. Many blessings in the new year to you.
I would have teared up too, Gail! It sounds like a wonderful evening!
Deb, I’ve praying for you and your family. The year of firsts is a tough one.
Today my Daddy would have been 77. He graduated to Heaven in January 2012. I am looking forward to seeing him again.
Enjoy your family time. May it overflow with laughter and blessings.
Thank you so much, Caryl. Happy birthday to your dad in Heaven!
Such lovely family photos! Sounds like everyone had a great time!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Thanks, Melissa!