"The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas.”
~ W. C. Jones
~ W. C. Jones
Once of my favorite parts about being married and having stepsons was that I had scored myself a reason to do a Christmas card, as previous years featuring the cat and me would have been pathetic. The first year, the list was basically my wedding invite list, and got smaller over the years, eventually being two dozen family and friends. Last year, I found myself without the faculties to put much care and concern into a Christmas card, because with a husband not living a home and a marriage in limbo, who can think of "happy holiday blessings from our family to yours"?
Last year, I phoned it in a little and used Paperless Post, which charges a small fee to send holiday cards via selected (or all) of the recipients in your email address book. The feedback from the emailed Christmas card was amazing, so I went with Paperless Post again for this year's card. The list stays small - grandparents, aunts/uncles, and close friends who have lifted the three of us up so much in the last year that we were able to find joy, naturally, and take a picture that reflects the healing we've done in 2013. Emotionally and physically.
My Christmas joys, beyond watching the discoveries that Santa left on Christmas morning and holiday decorating, are these faces. Yesterday I told one of them that if he were grown, I'd punch him in the face, but then we found the joy of chocolate milk together. No harm, no foul. Jake hates Christmas music but loves Christmas lights and Baby Jesus. Landen can off-key a Christmas song right along with me.
I share this here on the blog for the friends, family, and strangers who come here and read and support us. Because miracles happen, even if the miracle is the ability to smile. If you have joy, cherish it. If you are missing joy, it's a long walk and a lot of prayer to find, and we hope for you the discovery of it.
This is the message of Christmas: We are never alone.”
~ Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.
~ Taylor Caldwell (1900-1985), English novelist.
Merry Christmas and Happy Everything from my boys and me. Our profound thanks and love, even if we've never met you. We know you're there.
P.S. Monday is Moving Day.
