I keep seeing posts on Facebook that November is for Thanksgiving, December is for Christmas. Don't ignore Thanksgiving by rushing Christmas. I understand how people feel...holidays should be enjoyed and not rushed. BUT....this year, I am one of those people. My harvest decorations are up right now....and my Christmas decorations are slowly making their way into my home. And I don't care...both things are making my family happy.
Last year, we didn't even get all the decorations out of their totes. We had a lot to be thankful for and we celebrated the true meaning of Christmas, but the holidays had a more somber tone last year.
We had a house full of people on Thanksgiving day celebrating with us...and Jim couldn't enjoy the food because he wasn't able to swallow. It was the day that he decided he needed to talk to the doctor about getting a feeding tube. So, we were thankful that Jim's cancer was discovered early and was treatable, but we knew that the road just got bumpier for him.
Each year at Christmas, Jim and I take a day for shopping and time together. Last year, Jim was not able to shop all day. I was tired as well. Christmas shopping was done either online or as I was running in a store to do other errands. It wasn't the same...a big part of our tradition was missing. I enjoy baking all sorts of Christmas cookies and treats, but when one member of your family can't eat them, it makes you feel very selfish to do it. So I limited my baking last year...we still had our goodies, but it wasn't the same.
We went to Indianapolis to celebrate Christmas with the boys and Jim's parents on Christmas Eve as we always do. It was a rough trip. Jim needed to have certain things to be comfortable and functional. We needed to contact Santa so that he would find Delainey on Christmas morning. We had extra things to transport to Indy. And then....Jim's dad got sick. Jim sent D and I to church, while everyone at home took care of his dad. By the time church was over, the family was at the hospital with my father in law. The bright spot of Christmas Eve was being held by two very special friends...one that I knew I would see and the other who surprised me with her presence.
We made the painful decision to come home...leaving my father in law at the hospital. We made arrangements for people to check in with my mother in law. It was hard, but Jim couldn't visit the hospital with his compromised immune system. We were on the phone with family and friends making sure that all was as good as it could have been. My father in law recovered and came home during a snow storm, so it was a Christmas to remember, but not for wonderful reasons.
This year, we have so much to celebrate and be thankful for...I count my blessings daily. My fall decorations are out reminding me of all the bounty in my life. And at the same time, my Christmas decorations are up...reminding me of the joy of the season, of a Baby that was born to save me.
So, you an tell me that I am wrong...that I am rushing the seasons. I am looking forward to turkey and pumpkin cheesecake. I also looking forward to Christmas stories and hot cocoa. My family is happy and isn't that the most important thing for both of these holidays?
