SCENES OF CHRISTMAS 2007

New traditions and old ones combined. We know it will never be the same, but there is comfort in the rituals we perform. Christmas Eve at the Davis' with that succulent prime rib that Brian prepares so well. We amused ourselves before dinner with green drinks and red drinks and yellow drinks and purple drinks and clear drinks-did I mention that the preliminaries are an extended cocktail hour with interesting appetizers. "I'm not eating that, well I didn't think I was going to eat that, oh I wish I hadn't eaten that, hey, that was good."

It was odd that the sisters (referred to as "The Committee") independently arrived at special sister gifts that reflected their unique interests and personalities. If possible we have grown closer since the passing of Mother, but we have always had a connection that transcends time and distance.

Lori presented each of us separately with a guardian angel for our cars. I gathered the ladies together to pass out beaded and silver bracelets with a charm labeled "HOPE" and a toast to our Mother. Kathleen presented each of us with a glass figurine based upon astrological symbolism. Marcia provided each lady with major bling-new evening bags and beautifully delicate black and silver bracelets. My daughter smiled benignly but I thought again how much she would have enjoyed a sister. Her aunts include her whenever they can drag her away and she has a special bond with them.

The highlight of the evening was when we secretly decorated Kathleen's car with antlers and a big red Rudolph nose. For those who do not know, K's always been the one with the antlers and carries them on her rear-view mirror throughout the year. Understandably so, it was difficult for all of us to get into the mood, but this was the first glimmer of light. We all gathered outside and brought Kathleen out to see and, there is no other word for it, she pranced when she saw the magically decorated car and her smile lit up the night. There was not a person there who was not touched by how such a simple gesture could add so much joy to the occasion.

Christmas Day dinner was at our house as it has been for probably 30 years. We decided on a "Dirty Santa" this year with each participant bringing a wrapped gift. We each drew a number and oddly enough the eldest, Dad, chose number 1 and the youngest player, David picked the last number. Dad was fantastic as he went from package to package, shaking them, feeling them, holding his hands before his mouth in feigned consternation over which package to choose. After a few rounds the "trading" began. Kristen and Matt's strategy was to choose the same item so as to increase the odds of getting at least one of the desired objects - the flying helicopter. However, Dad is a bigger kid than any there so the battle waged fiercely for those darned helicopters! At any rate they ended up with one. The final chooser, David, looked at the assorted booty and said "I really don't want any of it!" Too funny, especially since the last wrapped package was the one he brought and he didn't want that either. I thought we would collapse from laughter.

Each person would drift now and then as we remembered Christmas' past and looked forward to a better New Year. Dad, usually the life of the party, was much quieter than usual although he tried. We understood and just kept moving things around him or brought out another distraction. But Jamie put it best when he said "everyone would be there except the empty chair". Leave it to a 10 year old to put it in perspective. Merry Christmas Mom.