As I take a moment to reflect on Christmas I remind myself why we are celebrating.  Once I center my thoughts on the meaning of Christmas I am better able to move through the season and appreciate all that each year brings.

Things are always changing, traditions get altered, and life brings new challenges every year.  When I center my thoughts on celebrating Jesus, those changes quickly become little curves in the road rather than obstacles that bring sadness, disappointment, or even anger. 

I consider myself very fortunate because I grew up in a home where my parents had little expectations of how the holiday was to unfold.  They held a Christmas Eve open house where all were welcome. 

When I was young our family was fairly large so we normally had a house full of people at the celebration.  I loved experiencing all the excitement from the various people and conversations.  Anticipation was high waiting to see our family and friends.  There were also the years that stood out to me as a child. 

The year that our family had the flu and all the party fixings were transferred to the home of my Uncle and Aunt.  Disappointment ran high when we found out our party was moving to someone else’s home.  We looked forward to seeing all our guests each year. 

My parents changed our normal routine that evening.  We sat around the tree as a family and were allowed to open a gift.  We didn’t want the change, we were not happy we were sick, but we still celebrated the best way we could at that moment.    

There was also the year that many of our relatives took a trip together that departed on Christmas Eve.  Where normally our house was full of people, this particular year we could count our guests on one hand.   

Although the anticipation of our Christmas Eve party was not the same that year, my parents assured us that we would make memories.   It was different, it was quiet, but it was still Christmas Eve. 

Our extended family started new traditions as they married, we started to have more deaths in the family than births, and the dynamics of the family gathering changed.  What I realize as an adult is that my parents moved through all those changes with grace. 

As a family, we moved through the holiday appreciating what the year brought.  My parents may not have liked some of the change, but they always focused on the present moment.  At 90 and 88 years old, they continue to be grateful for each moment. 

Merry Christmas!

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