This Christmas reminded me how much I have to be thankful for in my family. We aren't perfect. We nit-pick at each other sometimes (myself included) and like any family, we can get on eachother's nerves.
But really, this Christmas together was simply wonderful. Everyone made it through less than ideal, and sometimes scary driving conditions in order to be together. My mom painstakingly organized the rooms in her house so that every person had their own comfortable bedroom. My divorced parents came together, as they often do for holidays, to enjoy being a family as a whole, despite the fact that their romantic relationship has been over for nearly two decades. We played board games, went sledding, sang Christmas carols with family friends,
enjoyed some family craziness by building and running over a snowman with the car (yes we really did!),
cooked and ate delicious meals together, and enjoyed a modest and simple Christmas morning together.
The gifts we gave each other are a testament to the shared values we all have. My dad gave us "I voted for Obama" t-shirts, which I will proudly wear when Obama becomes our next President on January 20th. My mom had years and years of old projector home videos transferred onto DVD, so we can all have these precious copies of our early years to enjoy. Others gave reusable grocery bags, gifts that were made by hand, made a donation to charity in our family's name, etc. My brother wrote me a nice check to help Ben and I get out from under the debt we've been working so hard to eliminate.
And of course, everyone had a fun gift or two for the favorite 3-year old in our lives. As it should be.
Family, you are so dear to me. I couldn't have imagined a better holiday with you all.
3 comments:
I'm so thankful that you've brought such a wonderful family into my life. I've enjoyed sharing the holidays with your parents and siblings as if that's the way it's always been. Perhaps it's just the way it should be. :)
What a beautiful post, and your holiday pictures and squirrel pictures are terrific! Nice glasses on your little one. It brings back memories!
I'm so glad that Christmas with your parents and siblings was so fulfilling and happy for you. We missed you here, of course, but are blessed to have you close by most of the time so it makes it easier to share you when the holidays roll around!
I'm thankful that your family has opened their hearts and arms to my son and to us. It's a good feeling to be part of such a weirdly wonderful bunch of people!
I love you.
Post a Comment