Many in the country had to endure the "mother" of all snowstorms just in time for Christmas. Snow that measured in feet snarled traffic, created white-outs and horrendous pile-ups, cancelled flights and the ability to move to our destinations curtailed many a celebration. Some insisted on venturing out regardless, their fate still not known at this time. Our own family extravaganza has been postponed to New Year's Day which will sport a balmy 40 degrees and rain. However my kids live in town and some very good friends whose children were in scattered parts joined us for dinner so celebration, lights and special goodies were enjoyed. Our Joe was innundated with Dolphin paraphernalia, much of which he wore to cheer on his beloved team.
Hard not to recall other memorable Christmases. A little girl watching out the window waiting for Dad and Mom asking what that noise was. I said "just the Christmas tree snapping it's fingers". Grandma's metallic tree with the revolving color wheel; high decor in the 50's. Or my senior year gifted with a trip to California to visit my brother in the Marines. A memorable trip surrounded and entertained by a large group of young marines. Though too naive to understand the collective and muted gasp when a black marine asked me to dance. In 1968 race relations were smoldering, but all I saw as a 17 year old girl were young men who wanted to dance.
As newly marrieds of three months trying to scrape up enough to have a few decorations (blue as I recall) and gifts for family. Then the back and forth to parents for the holidays until the OH's folks booked for Florida in the winter. We started hosting though I remember collapsing one year in sleep just as dinner was finally served which began a domino effect as each family member fell ill in turn (except Dad who enjoyed the now-deserted feast). We were stacked sideways three to a bed and thank goodness two bathrooms. No, it wasn't my food, just a nasty little virus running through the crowd.
One year we braved the arctic chill and snowstorm and dark of night (yeah we were young) to head north for the holidays as the California branch was eager to be home for Christmas. In retrospect not our best decision. Years there was no snow and the year with no power and bone-chilling cold where we wandered like the proverbial holy family to find room at the inn. The year that Mother passed and the sisters sat together in such grief that it alarmed our children until we decorated the oldest sister's car with Rudolph gear to make her laugh. Though it did start the tradition of the sister gifts as we each spontaneously wanted to give the others a token of healing from the loss.
The year when our Kristen was born exactly two weeks before Christmas (70 degrees that day). I still remember Mother cuddling the sleeping child in one arm and serving dinner with the other. Then 13 years later when an unexpected pregnancy ended in the wee hours of Christmas morning with tears over a new life slipping away.
Christmases with a grandson and it starts all over again. Especially the year when Joe, at the tender age of two, ignored our debate as to whose house would stable the riotous new rocking horse. Upon noticing his disappearance we found him at the back door where he had dragged his horse. Debate resolved. So many changes and children and memories; joy and tragedy overcome by love and hope for the new year just around the corner.
Happy Haanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa, Joyous Solstice and Happy Holidays. There have I satisfied the snowflakes in the room? After watching people (evangels' and foxy folks) explode if you use the wrong phrase I have to wonder who is the snowflake they are so fond of chastising. At any rate it is a wonderful time of year for us if we let it as we watch those defending their country (and all democracy) from the marauding horde of Putin's domination folly. I see them cheering their downtown Christmas tree (lit by a generator) as sounds of explosions occur in the background. I see them share a meal by candlelight and song. Just as Mr. Grinch found out, it's not the tinsel and gifts that identify Christmas as once again the Prince of Peace will not be stopped from coming. 💛💙
2 comments:
Hope you and yours had a Merry Christmas!
“Exquisite”
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