There have been so many changes in one short year...
Everyone senses a big hole with the passing of Kaye, Dave's sister. She always handled all of the Christmas 'festivities' including the meals. Everything was held at her home in year's past...this year we gathered in Dave's mom's condominium even though she is currently living in the rehab home down the street. She said that it was so strange to be 'visiting' her own home on Christmas...Her depressed feelings were so evident to all of us as she used her walker with our assistance and got situated in her chair.
Eventually, the house began to fill with the grandchildren and great grandchildren...You could feel the mood changing a bit as the quiet was interrupted by sounds of the children's delight at this magical time.
Suddenly the newest great grandchild was in Grandma's arms cooing. "Isn't she beautiful?" she said to me with a look of pride on her slightly weary face.
Dave's sister-in-law gathered everyone together to say grace before the Christmas meal was going to be served. I looked around at the beautiful faces of this family that was having to face some new challenges this year...and I smiled as I hoped that they were temporarily forgetting the many things that lie ahead...(especially moving the Matriarch of the family into an assisted living home)...and enjoying this delicious meal before them: Turkey with dressing and gravy, creamed onions, string bean casserole, yum yum salad, a green salad this sugared walnuts and feta cheese, potato casserole with cheese topping, cranberry sauce and warm dinner rolls.
After dessert we all adjoined to the living room where the children began to enthusiastically tear apart the wrapping on their gifts and began to play with their newest treasures!
Then it was time for the adults to play Secret Santa. Laughter dominated the room as gifts were opened and exchanged or "stolen" from one another.
Soon tiredness set in...and everyone began to pack their babies and supplies and gifts, etc. and head for their homes.
But, before they left, we all gathered for a family group picture. Arms went around each other, moms held their babies...and Grandma sat right in the middle of her beautiful family.
So, while it might not have been the 'traditional' Christmas here in Delaware this year...the spirit and the love was there...and the family was together...
3 comments:
Every Christmas is different and presents new joys and new challenges. It is what makes us know we are alive. Sounds like you had a good Christmas in spite of the challenges.
It's really hard when traditions have to change due to deaths and aging but it's so important to continue with the "new" traditions. Being together is what it's all about. you just make the best of it!
Sounds lovely.
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