First the obvious: Mom wasn't here. It just wasn't the same not having her here to spend Christmas Eve morning with. While Mom and I were not the closest people you will ever come across, your Mom is still your Mom and I never missed a Christmas Eve with my Mom. I loved to watch the way her face lit up at the sight of us opening our gifts. They were never much, nor did they have to be. That is not what Christmas is about. However, she gave what she could and really just wanted to see her children's faces as they opened their gifts. More than that though I enjoyed playing the new games with her that my youngest brother got. She was like a little kid when it came to her children and I loved her for that. I hate that I will never again get that experience.
There were other negative changes too. I missed Christmas with my Grandma on my Dad's side because she does hers on Christmas Day, and our plan as a married couple is to always be home on Christmas Morning. This way we already establish a routine for our future children. However, since we went "home" before Christmas this year I missed out on the extended family gathering. I also did not get the chance to see my Mom's side of the family. Normally her family's get together is on Christmas Eve. However, Grandma decided that she couldn't handle Christmas and everyone over this year so she canceled it. While I respect her decision and feelings, it was a "hard pill to swallow" as they say.
It wasn't all bad though. I had invited my oldest brother down to celebrate with my husband and I for Christmas as he was going to be alone on Christmas Day. (Our Dad went to Florida over Christmas) Not only was he able to come down, but he brought our youngest brother with him. We got to play Santa for him, putting out milk and cookies, making a gingerbread house, and just all around had a great time with them for 4 days. It was wonderful and helped me forget some of the sad changes that had occurred this year.
After writing this I realize that while things have changed, and some for the worse, that this Christmas is one to be thankful for. I missed my parents and the normal traditions that occurred, but some great memories were made this year. I was blessed in having my family down and getting to spend Christmas morning with them. So this year I will count my blessings instead of my sorrows.
He's excited about the gift
Can you tell they are brothers?
