Hi Neighbor!
I always enjoyed going home to my parents’ house – my childhood home – for the holidays; first, during college, then when I was single and living on my own, and even when I was a young mother with babies and toddlers. It was a homecoming that felt safe, full of love…and full of tradition.
While in college, returning home for the holidays was exciting because that house was still my “home” home. I couldn’t wait to trim the tree, make a batch of cookies, and see all of my favorite decorations displayed throughout the house. The older I got, however, the magic seemed to wear off for my mother, as if she felt like quitting Christmas. No longer was she interested in the time consuming effort of bringing boxes down from the attic, unpacking them, cleaning and clearing a spot for each item, finally returning the empty boxes back to the attic only to repeat her efforts in a few short weeks. She lamented, “No one is coming here, so why bother?”
(Decades later, I understand her distress at the tedious task and who am I decorating for?; still, my young adult son keeps popping in, disappointed that my home doesn’t look like Christmas yet. No, I haven’t quit Christmas in spite of the effort it takes to set up. My son keeps me honest!)
Some of this was true – by then I was at the stage in my life when Santa came to my home where my kids’ stocking were hung, which meant no one was stopping in to “visit” my parents as much, and the grandkids were not paying them a regular holiday visit – yet.
Fast forward a few decades, and we have created a newish tradition of returning to Grandma and Grandpa’s for Christmas. Truth be told, the gathering is always before Christmas because it takes heroic efforts to settle on a date that works for everyone, but when we arrive, the tree is trimmed, gifts are exchanged, and yes, the house is decorated with all of my best memories. For one short afternoon, grown-up grandchildren take up space in their grandparents’ home, bringing Christmas cheer with them. Some customs stay the same while others change slightly from year to year, but the love within never fades.
Keeping the tradition alive, we will make the trek again this season to pack the tiny home that is so special to all of us for one frolicking afternoon. It might as well be a Norman Rockwell painting, a place only family could love.
Traditionally yours,
Jackie
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 to everyone !
Merry Christmas 🎁🎄 to everyone !
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