It is difficult to place the activities and traditions of one's youth in 'freeze frame', expecting that each Christmas thereafter will reflect the same feelings, activities and
participation. People need to grow out of their parents home and establish their own
traditions and unique memories. Still, as a parent of three great kids we wish that our time with each other can be repeated without change. But they do change and we intellectually understand but emotionally resent the absence of our children's excitement. We enjoyed having Michael share Christmas
morning but understand the degree of void it represented, not having Dave and Stacey at his side. Although we spent critical time with Stacey and her family later in the day; and spoke to Dave,
Bri and family by phone, still it was the
variance from many years of our traditional experiences that made this Christmas unique among other festivities.
Ann did a great job of making the house feel all the warmth and joy of the holiday. I often give her grief for hanging on to Christmas decorations that have not been used in many years, hence filling the storage space with boxes that have no immediate use. But I can truly understand the reluctance of literally throwing tangible evidence of our memories into the refuse.
Stacey's in-laws (Carl and Sue) were kind to invite us to Christmas Eve dinner with their family. It was a great time and gave us time to feel the energy and excitement of the many children in
attendance.
