The Carpenters
Elvin (Grandpa) Lula (Grandma) Bill (My Uncle) Norma (My Aunt) Ken (My Uncle the little guy in the pic.)
It occurred to me late in life that no family is without it's dysfunction, especially around the holidays. Once Halloween is over it's all gears revved up for spending time with the extended family. I can recall countless gatherings I would have loved to get out of going to. It just seems the older I'd get the more I'd expected things to be different, for example "why doesn't our house look like Martha Stewart's" or "where's our traditions?" and "this is so not what I wanted" and the all time classic "some idiot got really wasted (usually me)" Unrealistic expectations, premeditated resentments. What's interesting is how that has changed over the years. When I was little, our extended family was so big that when we'd get together for Christmas we'd all barely fit in the trailer. I don't know why we'd meet at the one family members house that wasn't actually a house, everyone else in the family had houses, regardless this was quite the gathering. I would definitely call those times "the good old days". That uncle passed away and tradition changed, as everything does. The family got so big that they started celebrating a little more individually, and "come by if you can". Always welcome, yet ever changing. Eventually I had family of my own, little one's to surprise with Santa's gifts. Seeing Christmas through their eyes and creating holiday traditions. Every year my little one's could count on frosting cookies for Santa as well as driving around looking at Christmas lights in the neighborhood. This year my boy is in North Carolina on the Marine Base there at Cherry Point. My new daughter in law is in Florida at the Navy Base there, and most all of the rest of our family is back in California. Everyone is spread out everywhere! My husband, daughter and I are here together in Michigan celebrating Christmas this year, a much smaller celebration than we're used to. We don't know exactly how we'll spend it but we will be warm, we'll have good food, a home that isn't foreclosed, and gifts given with love. There is no wondering which family member we haven't seen in a year act up- because there aren't any here (at least one's that know where we live!) Seriously though, whether it's family getting married and expanding, moving away, or God
calling them home, one thing is certain, there is family to be missed. I am feeling especially grateful for what I have this Christmas. How about you? Care to share your plans or thoughts on this Holiday?
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