I am sitting in my living room, the house is quiet, wrappings and dishes put away after a not so usual Christmas celebration. I had moments with each of my children, my sister, my brother. Some were on the phone, some were outside in twenty-degree weather with a fire in the firepit, some were a masked and distanced event and some were on a video platform. All were precious.
Covid has changed how we celebrate. I had a very difficult time getting past the need for normal. I struggled with how to create as normal a day as possible. I fought against the fact that it was “covid” and tried to make everything just as it “should be.” But that is impossible.
I have spent the year seeking normal. While I ardently try to appreciate what I have, I also work really hard to conduct “business as usual”, continue life as we have known it. But wow, how hard is that?
One of the things that struck me as I was sitting around the fire pit with some of my children, listening to them chatter with excitement, was that this was definitely different, but it wasn’t bad. I was cold, but I had the warmth of some family members, I had wishes from family and friends. I had deep meaningful conversations with so many people that I love so dearly. I was blessed.
The moment, the pause was difficult to recognize. The cold seemed to take hold of my bones, the breeze was a little too breezy for the temperature, but I had so. much. love. surrounding me. I had so many blessings. My family made effort to be with us in spite of the fact that we were in a global pandemic.
I think some day, I will look back on this day and realize that it wasn’t my traditional Christmas, but regardless of traditions and all the things I think I “should” have for the holiday, each family member made incredible effort that you could not wrap up in a box to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I have no doubt it will become a favorite. I do know, I am incredibly grateful.
Merry Christmas…
sending you so much love,
Susan
