Traditions

Face it, Christmas will never be like it was when our kids were little.  Jody died (years ago), others divorced, and then Grandma & Grandpa died.  Some are in jail and Lisa is still not herself mentally after her heart attack and in a nursing home, Steve remarried too.  It really changed after Mom & Dad died.  I guess they were what held us all together.

My parents made it special for every grandchild.  They went all out.  They weren't rich but Mom would spend so much time trying to find great gifts for all us grown kids and the grandkids.  She tried to make sure she spent the same amount on each person.  We'd all bring gifts for everyone also, so the place was piled high with gifts.

She made a huge meal each year; without much help from us, I'm ashamed to say.  There wasn't room for all of us to sit at the table.  Those were the days.  Now the family that is left is fractured & disjointed.  Those that are still around have trouble getting together.  Lots of confusion.  At least with Mom and Dad, everyone knew, Christmas Eve was the time we met each year. 

We will all meet on the 18th to eat at a local restaurant and visit with each other.  Everything changes.  To everything, there is a season...