Christmas Reflection

 Another Christmas has come and gone.

 The long lines of people shopping for a bunch of stuff that retailers spend millions to get us to buy, have turned into long lines of people, waiting to return the presents they were given that they didn't like or can't use. Jonell, Lydia and I, spent a quiet evening at home, just the three of us watching our usual battery of Christmas movies, like "It's A Wonderful Life ", "Miracle On 34th Street "and "Elf".

Jonell and I, watched Lydia open her gifts, which were far more than we had discussed.

Although I must say, that seeing the look of surprise and gratitude, makes it all worth it. 

Besides, Lydia has done so much this past year. She doesn't ask for much, but she sure is deserving of everything she got and more! 

This was not our year to see the boys and their families on Christmas Day. But with potentially, only a few years left, until we are perverbial empty nesters, it was a nice memory to make. 

Besides, we wouldn't have to wait long, until the boys and their families would come. It was in fact the next day, December 26th, when our house was filled beyond capacity. 

There was lots of of love and laughter, lots of smiling and hugs. My wife went above and beyond to ensure everyone had a wonderful time. 

She spent days cooking and cleaning, just to watch our children and grandchildren , decend open it, as a horde of locusts from a biblical plague. 

All the while, I watched her beaming with pride, and handing out her many gifts, though she received few. And a certain sadness came over me. 

For in the past, that was always my job, to make sure her stocking got filled. 

I must say, after watching her this year, that in years past, I did an abysmal job. 

Though nothing I could ever have gotten her, would have matched her efforts. All I could do, that even came close to the way I use to be, was to sit and watch as each person opened their gifts, and take credit for what I didn't know I got them. 

Every household has its share of memories, hopefully there are far more good than bad. 

It's not too late to place your finger on the scale, to influence that there will be more good than bad. You don't have to wait for a holiday to make memories, your next special moment, maybe just waiting to happen tomorrow. 

If your lucky enough that your Mom is still around, call her and tell her you love her and thanks. If she is gone, as mine is, tell her in a prayer. Your message will be received, all you have to do is have a little faith. As they said in "Miracle On 34th Street "FAITH IS BELIEVING IN THINGS, WHEN COMMON SENSE TELLS YOU NOT TO.