Holiday Traditions

Well, we survived another Christmas! This one was extra-special because my daughter and grandchildren were with us this year. There's nothing like opening presents on Christmas morning with a 2- and 4-year old! They were so excited to see what Santa left under the tree. Tierra, the 4-year old, immediately separated her presents from her little brother's. She opened hers really quickly, moving from one to the next with speed and determination. Zeke was slower opening his, so when Tierra had opened all hers, she very thoughtfully offered to open Zeke's as well. We of course let Zeke open his own, even with the generous offer of help from his sister. After the gifts were all opened and examined, we all went to my brother's house for the traditional Christmas dinner. We've done this for many, many years, and it always feels good to be in their home for Christmas. My mom loves the Claymation Christmas Special that first aired in 1987, and I bought a copy on Amazon this year so we could keep the tradition alive. We also watched another family favorite, "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol". Thank goodness for Amazon and DVDs! We all had such a wonderful time, but then we always do. I wish everyone had the kind of family I have. Every Christmas I think it's the best one ever, and this year is no exception. Having both my kids and the grandchildren all together under one roof was just wonderful. This is the first Christmas in at least 5 years that we've all been together for the holidays. I don't take these things for granted. Each day is special, and needs to be lived to the fullest. To anyone who may stumble upon this blog, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest of New Years. I hope the future holds nothing but good things for you and the ones you love. Material things come and go. Relationships between people are to be cherished and nurtured. After all is said and done, that is what really matters, and that is what all people yearn for. That is my wish for everyone, that you give and receive love freely, fully, and unselfishly.

My Moment of Christmas Zen

So last Saturday night, I'm watching "Meet Me in St. Louis" on TCM. I was sitting on the sofa with my favorite cat, Moe, in my lap. We were at the the part of the movie where Judy Garland sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". My 2-year old grandson Zeke came into the room, climbed up next to me and snuggled under my arm just as Judy started singing. As I sat there and listened to the song with my grandson and my cat, I was struck by how perfect the moment was. It couldn't have been scripted to be more perfect. My moment of Christmas zen. And when the song was over, Zeke hopped down off the couch and went about his business of playing with his little cars. It's those little moments that make life so incredibly dear.