Tuesday, December 28, 2010

"I'll be home for Christmas....."

...you can count on me. There'll be snow and Mistletoe and presents 'neath the tree..."

If you are lucky enough to have a great family, that you love to be with, there is nothing as special as spending Christmas and the following days together.

I count myself as very lucky to have such a family. It's been four long years since we could scrape up enough money to buy 5 round trip holiday-rate plane tickets from CA to RI.(Choosing to fly on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve for the cheapest flights available.)

We shipped our last McLaren's package Dec 23rd for a desperate customer and flew out the next day. I found out that with my extra poundage, overstuffed carry-ons and the person in front of me tilting their seat back... "Yes Virginia", I still get claustrophobic. Despite my psychological discomfort, the flights were uneventful and we arrived in Boston, rented a car and drove to RI arriving at 1:30am Christmas morning.

Our family traditions have adapted through the years as the children have grow up, from the
hysterical rip and shred of the "Toy Years" to the I Mac,I phone, I Pad, techno years. In fact, this year most of the gifts were known in advance and had to be left behind, as promises, back ordered. I shudder to think how much money we spent in the past shipping all
those toys ahead to be under the tree Christmas morning.

Our big family gift this year is intact, just being here and we all agreed to that. West coast to East coast gifts were smaller practical, (slippers and socks) and the computers ordered
have been needed for or school for the past 3 years, no big surprise there.

The economy being what it is, we are thrilled to be together, before another beloved passes on
or has a wedding that only one or two of us can afford to fly to.

We have a tradition of having Christmas morning at my brother's home stuffed full of children,
nieces, brothers, sister in laws, (more like sisters) dogs, a fragrant wood stove and a never
ending array of home made edible holiday favorites.

The 6-10 yr age difference in the cousins has never caused a rift or separation, in fact last
night, they were playing cards and laughing as hard as they ever had together, taking a break
from movies and guitar hero.

One of my favorite things is taking a nap in the midst of the chaos, hearing the voices and
laughter as I fade in and out of lucid dreaming. (I got one of those naps Christmas afternoon)
For me it is the peace of everything is ok, everyone is fine, and we are together, this
moment is forever.

Most of the years that we have been able to go home for Christmas we have brought early snow
with us. Despite what you may think, a "White Christmas" in New England comes only once very
few years. Most of the snow comes in Jan. And Feb., historically speaking. So, the fact that
we had an "official blizzard" Christmas night was the literal icing on the cake.

Now, as I said, we spend Christmas day at my brother's but then day or two afterward, we go to
my Dad's home in Conn. and do it all over again! We all come from far and near, as work
allows and have another Christmas dinner and share stories of our time apart from each other, Grandpa & Grandma to the youngest, raising a glass of cheer in thanksgiving for another year
together....but the snow prevailed and this second Christmas was cancelled this year.

Tim and I and the kids will go tomorrow and spend the night with the Grandparents and go
sliding for the second time this vacation !!! Grandpa has a long downhill driveway that is fast and a blast for sledding. This year we will do the cooking and share stories old and new
across three generations, in front of a roaring fire, feet warmed by yellow labs, while taking
in a most amazing view. The kids will skate on the frozen pond and I will take photos to post when we get back to Cali.

I am looking forward to the time ahead with my Dad and his wife Norma, time passes so quickly
I try to treasure every moment we have together.

I am so grateful for my family, sleeping in, being together, laughter , snow, memories of
those who have passed on before us and our health.....

I hope that if you are reading my blog that you have been as blessed as we, this holiday
season.


Happy New Year!!
Xxoo

Andrea