OK, It's been a while since I wrote anything. Sometimes it's best to wait until your heart and mind meet at the same time.
We just finished celebrating Thanksgiving as a nation, and as a family. Even though all our kids weren't home this time, I know they are safe, healthy, strong, and have joy and peace. Our family is one person bigger. We have a new son-in-law and his family feels like an extension of ours as does our other children's families. Our kids are scattered about and that is good. They have independence and are making good choices. It is a blessing and I am thankful to see all of them "successful" in however you may define that word. I am thankful to see them growing in their Faith-walk, not just faithful "church-goers" but living and serving because of their faith. Our son was asked to give the blessing for our big Thanksgiving meal and that is how heritage is shared.
When I look at our adult children, seeing them where Deb and I were back so many years ago, a lot in life and our world has changed, and some things stay the same, Thanksgiving and Christmas, at least in our families have certain traditions. Yes, we do the Turkey and Dressing thing for Thanksgiving, decorations and a brightly lit tree and gifts at Christmas. AND we are still giving our three children Advent calendars to open windows in expectancy for Christmas and the birth of the Christ child. (Just remember, Marissa gets to open #10, 'cause that's her birthday).
I have special memories as a child with my maternal grandparents who seemed to go over the top at Christmas. That meant usually one very special toy and very nice clothes. Truth be known, we as children dressed like miniature adults. Me with suit and tie, over coat and hat, and nice dress shoes. My sister got the frilly dresses, patent leather shoes WITH matching purse and one year got a "fake fur" white Fox collar. One Christmas they got me a Bright Green tricycle with White or maybe Chrome fenders, a basket and streamers from the handgrips. Grandpa used his 8mm movie camera to film me on it and it double exposed and looked like I was riding through the beautiful rolling hills of Kentucky!
Seems like the holidays come quicker each year. The grandkids are growing so fast and Praise God, Deb and I are still young and energetic (cough, cough!)
So, not only REFLECT on holidays past, but be sure to make memorable holidays THIS YEAR. Be grateful for what you have...great or small. Remember the important things and those things that truly last a lifetime and beyond. Frueliche Weinachten, (for my German roots), Happy Christmas (for my British roots) and have a good ole MERRY CHRISTMAS!
