This has been a soul-satisfying day. We wrapped presents, talked, giggled, and loved on each other from slightly past midnight until 3:30 a.m., finishing just in time for Santa’s arrival. What we thought might be a rather “skinny” Christmas ended up being more than abundant. The tree was perfect, the presents piled high, and the love in the room was palpable. I cannot express the joy of having both my children and their beloveds here with me.
As the girls unwrapped their presents, the house was overrun by My Little Ponies and LaLaLoopsies…just exactly what they wanted…the smiles, the laughter, the thanks lit up the room. At brunch we shared our Christmas crackers (thank you, Claire, for introducing us to this tradition years ago), wore our silly crowns, shared the bad jokes, and played with the little toys. The food was simple but tasty, the mimosas delicious. And don’t get me started on the fudge!
All day long the girls played together with their new toys, with only minor squabbles over territory. The grown-ups segued from conversation to nap to conversation (our night was way too short), punctuated with trips to the kitchen for more fudge. Phone conversations with loved ones from afar made the day even better.
We are so blessed. Blessed by love based on deep friendship as well as blood ties. Blessed that our loved ones are out of harm’s way. Blessed by the Christmas traditions passed down through our families for generations. Blessed that we have ample food and a cozy nest, even in today’s challenging job market. Blessed to live in what I still feel is the greatest country in the world, even though our stars are a bit tarnished by human greed and strife. Blessed that those of us who truly believe Christ is “the reason for the season” can live and love with those who think differently in relationships of mutual respect.
Merry Christmas, dear friends…I hope you, too, had a soul-satisfying day.
triggershorse 