For months I have dreaded this morning. After four decades of hosting multi-family Christmas celebrations, today will be different. My daughters have families of their own, and there is nothing better than spending the morning in PJs watching the kids enjoy their gifts in your own home. Selfishly that is why I began hosting Christmas all of those years ago.
Our first holidays were filled with extended family members traveling from Maryland or Long Island sleeping on couches with everyone focused on the meal. Two hours before my family arrived, my mother-in-law would deliver an attention-seeking tantrum until someone coaxed her into staying. I was too busy with the meal prep and managing three toddlers to pay her much attention. What is a family holiday without drama?
As the years past the guest list expanded, and everyone was welcome. We included neighbors who, without an invitation, would be alone. The cast of characters makes me smile today. As the girls grew older, I added a theme to the day, and we had some exceptional ones. “Play at Christmas” included ornament decorating and knock hockey. We hired professional gamers for “Casino Christmas,” and I decorated the tree with playing cards. My 86-year-old mother showed her competitive side at the roulette wheel. My favorite was last year, “Gratitude Christmas.” After a year of Covid quarantine, everyone sent pictures of things they were grateful for, and I hung them on the tree. My mother could not join us, so I mailed them to her when Christmas was over. I shared my gratitude for everyone coming together with each holiday, knowing that nothing lasts forever.
Today will be different, but only because the guest list is smaller. As much as I tried to ignore it, I realize that the time in the distant future is here. But with change, once you let go, it begins. The biggest change this year meant I was present. The house was decorated earlier so I could enjoy it versus finishing mantels on Christmas Eve. Small business shopping replaced the Amazon clicks, allowing me to meet new entrepreneurs. Instead of spending hours in the kitchen prepping & cooking food, I scaled back the menu so that I can spend time with my guests and not the oven. And to my surprise, I think I will enjoy this new tradition.
foursetsofeyes 