Christmas Blessings

The sun has set on another Christmas day at our house and what a long day it has been. My wife is relaxing on one couch and our youngest is watching a video on the other leaving me with no place to sit. As a man with no place to call his own I decided I would write instead. Christmas is my favorite of the holidays and not because of some deep theological meaning, even though Jesus is central for us. I love it because this day has always revolved around family. For as long as I can remember our family would gather to celebrate Christmas. This year was no different, we had a house full.

I find myself wondering what memories our girls are going to have of Christmas. For me some of my best childhood memories revolve around Christmas. Sure I remember some of the gifts I received but most have long since faded from my memory. What I remember is the people who were in attendance. I can still see my childhood self looking out the front window in anticipation of the cousins arrival. The excitement upon seeing the car pull into the driveway. Oh the thrill of spending time with those I had not seen in months. It was a glorious time in my childhood.

The sound of laughter filled the house. Maybe it was the egg nog but even the adults seemed to embrace their silly inner child. No it was not perfect. You cram a large group of people of varying ages in one house and things can get tense from time to time. Children playing can quickly become noisy kids and noisy kids wear on parents nerves. Of course I never misbehaved it was my cousins (not one in particular) fault whatever it was. Still even the moments of tension were rapidly broken by laughter again.

On Christmas morning sleepy parents would follow eager children to see what may have been left under the tree. Squeals of delight would fill the air as someone opened the present they were “dying” to get. We would play with our new-found possessions as the adults began preparing the day’s meal. Oh the smells that would emanate for the kitchen. The occasional chirping of the smoke detector indicating the rolls may have been left in a little too long. Then there was the trip to pick up the senior members of the family. This of course meant more gifts and food would soon arrive. We would all sit down to eat as a family, well some of us had to sit at the kids table but I’m not bitter. Then we would spend the rest of the day playing, talking, catching up, and just enjoying the time we had together.

Sadly the day would come to an end. People would return to their homes until the next time. As a child I did not appreciate these times because I did not know they would eventually end. I mean I knew everyone would go home but there was always next year. Slowly the numbers dwindled. Some grew older and had their own thing to do. New family dynamics took shape and they began their own Christmas traditions. This is how it is supposed to be. As I think about the past I cannot help but take note of those who are no longer with us. Time has played a dirty trick on us and age has taken its toll.

Laughter still fills the house today. Our family gathering is different now, only my parents were present for my childhood and today. We have added to the gathering my wife’s family and even friends (who are more like family anyway). I still get in trouble and it is still not my fault – it was Johns. My hope is for my children to remember these times as fondly as I remember them. So to those who shared Christmas with us, thank you. Thank you for being a part of creating something that will out last any toy, electronic or article of clothing. Your presence is the greatest of gifts. For those who are gathered elsewhere – Merry Christmas and we love you!