Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Christmas comes but once each year...


Men and babies
Dad and Auntie working hard 
They say that Christmas comes but once each year... but not around here, not where I come from.  Growing up we had at least three recognized versions of Christmas.  One with my mom's family, one with dad's, and one at home as our family.  I have no idea if this is the norm, but it always has been for me.  I am used to multiple Christmases.  I like it.  Once Matty and I joined forces we added a few more Christmases... His family had been used to accommodating shift workers like myself, and had hence developed a tradition known as "little Christmas" which is usually the first of the celebrations somewhere around the 22nd or the 23rd.  (This one's nice because myself and the other shift workers of the fam can usually get this day off.)  In the end we usually can get a visit in with the majority of the local family and enjoy the consumption of several delicious holiday meals...

Chaos
We had a fantastic holiday season.  I was overwhelmed with the gift of family.  Being with the ones I love was honestly all that I wanted this Christmas.  I was heartsick for those who are far away but comforted knowing that the new year will bring new adventures for us all and perhaps those far away won't be so by next Christmas.

Shortly before the holiday a co-worker called me at home and offered to work my Christmas shift for me.  I was brought to tears and told her "You don't know how wonderful that would be!"  She, a mother of grown children, simply said "Yes I do."  And that I must say, was my favorite gift this year.  

Thank you friends and family for raising me, teaching me, and loving me.  I am a very lucky woman.  Merry Christmas.  My cup runneth over.






Not sure what they were watching, but it must have been good.





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