Before COVID-19, our family would gather on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and we would celebrate, and reconnect as a family over food. There was always a lot of fun and chaos. I am sure I complained about all of the work at the time, but now I miss it so much!
Because of COVID-19, everything was much quieter and low-key this year but that provided time to reflect and remember. Each card I received I read more carefully and appreciated more. I thought more about our Christmas gatherings of the past. I remembered the first Christmas after each son’s birth, the Christmas after each grandchild’s birth, and each Christmas my dad lived with us.
One very special event, we all looked forward to was decorating Gingerbread houses. Our grandchildren were very young and their parents actively participated in the decorations. It was so much fun.
My dad enjoyed this family event so much! He would participate as much as he possibly could.
One year, when our sons were very young, times were hard, and we had no money for Christmas, like so many families are experiencing this year because of COVID-19, and our wonderful little sons went into their closets and found favored toys to give to us for Christmas. They didn’t want mom and dad not to have a present to open. They wrapped each little toy themselves. At the time, I was filled with guilt and sadness, but their sweet and generous acts of love were not lost on me. Both boys demonstrated kindness and empathy well beyond their years, and I now realize that Christmas was one of the best!
I don’t have any pictures from that Christmas, but I did find this adorable picture of my oldest son and Santa. My son was 4 years old in this picture.
The next Christmas memory that I want to share involved my dad. When my dad was a little boy, his family was all too familiar with poverty, and knowing his parents could not afford a Lionel train, he asked Santa for his train. Unfortunately, even Santa was having a challenge fulfilling children’s wishes, and my dad never received his train. So moving forward in time, I helped Santa deliver my dad’s long-awaited train. My dad loved it and was a bit overwhelmed—best gift-giving ever.
Each following Christmas I tried to expand the train setup and growing village beneath the Christmas tree.
So here we are in the year of COVID-19 and everything else that could possibly go wrong. 2020 has been a challenging year, no kidding, for everyone, but I’d like to think I have learned something and grown in some way, even if I am not sure what. I have shared several new projects I am working on, but I make more mistakes than progress. It is so easy for me to focus on the negative and not even see the positive. I want to focus more on my loving family and friends and the doctors, health care workers, and first responders who give of themselves for the good of others.
Note: We did not wear masks for the pictures, but the rest of the time, we do. I personally believe that wearing masks is extremely important!
So with that positive mindset, I am grateful that COVID-19 has not touched anyone in our family this Christmas. My sons’ technology wizardry enabled us to spend time together. My grandchildren are the cutest (of course)! Dr. Teddy and Scrappy are the best doggies in the world (of course)!
This Holiday Season I wish you health and happiness! Thank you for being there for me!
That was a very touching blog. I share your feelings. I.
am not having a great year so I will try to be more positive by starting out with good memories of past Christmas holidays.
Loved your Christmas letter. I remember Uncle Don being so excited with his train! You gave him back some of his childhood. He also loved his great-grandchildren. Got the biggest kick out of them. He had a wonderful life with all of you.
Yes, Thanksgiving and Christmas were so different this year. Missed seeing everyone.
Granddaughter Savannah will be 10 on New Year’s Eve. I asked her what she wanted for Christmas and her birthday. She said “I just want COVID to be gone.” This pandemic is taking a toll on these kids. No socialization with friends, lack of much needed exercise, overeating on snacks, etc. They need the routine and structure of school. Praying they can go back soon.
Wishing the best for 2021. Stay safe and Healthy. Love, Karen & John
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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