Merry Christmas from our house to yours

The stockings were hung by the....
winerack with care?
Santa came!

December 25^th has arrived once more.  It is my first year without either parent alive (Dad died just before Christmas in 1977, and my mom this fall), and I can’t help but reflect on the wonderful Christmases past.  Mom and Dad always made Christmas very special for us, and I have nothing but great memories of them – memories of family and laughter and singing, of feasting and going to church and going for walks on the pier, of stockings bulging with gifts and a tree magical in its beauty. 

I miss those days in many ways, and yet I also love the simpler, quieter Christmases I have now.  It is a season of joy and friendship and music and magic – the lights around the town, meals shared with friends,  singing songs old and new, walking on the sea walk.  Times change, and in change there is both sorrow and joy – grief for what is no more, and hopeful anticipation for what lies ahead.

I know there are some readers for whom this Christmas is difficult. To those who have lost loved ones, I wish you comfort in grieving and joy in remembering.  To those who are far from home, I wish you safe travelling, great new adventures, and delightful new friendships. To those who are facing challenging health issues, I wish you the best possible outcomes, strength for the road ahead, and support from family and friends. 

To those that are today with family, cherish the moment, treasure the love.   The years pass in a flash, and we know not what lies ahead. 

Christmas is a time of hope, of joy, of faith, of generosity.  May each of you experience Christmas each day of your life. 

Merry Christmas, everyone. 

Jean, Eddie, Mitzi, Shiloh and Allie.