Christmas Eve and feelings
I usually write on Sunday but decided this and next week, I will write on the eve of the holidays. This can be a busy time of year for everyone and me, like everyone else, the time seems to fly. Today I am taking some time out for myself. Time to reflect on the holidays and my feelings about them.
Usually the holidays bring up sadness in myself. I am not sure why, time gone by, celebrations that used to happen, no longer happen. When my grandfather passed away, many years ago, the family traditions of all holidays seemed to die with him. He loved celebrations, having family gather at my grandparents home. Although, being Jewish, we did not celebrate Christmas, we did have family gatherings this time of year and for all holidays. I miss those times. When I got older and married, when my children were small, my, then husband, and I had large gatherings at our home for the holidays. He managed a pizza store and we had his employees, their families and even Santa Claus come to our house on Christmas Eve.. It was a wonderful time. I am glad that my oldest children, now adults, still celebrate with he and his wife, those times with their families in the mid west.
Since moving back to NJ, I have tried to have new traditions. It has been challenging, however this year will be our 3rd Christmas Day Bagel Nosh. It is a time, I open my home for breakfast to anyone who does not have a place to go tomorrow morning. Tonight will also be our 3rd Christmas Even dinner with good friends in Washington Township. New Traditions, new ways of celebrating.
As we get older, nothing really stays the same. Our relationships change, some stay, some don't. Our children get older and spread out over miles and / or with their own families. Homes and the feeling inside them also change. We all change and move in different directions. When I think of the mood I get in, I decided that this year, my reflection will be on the present, not the losses of the past, but the present, the joys of the season now, not what used to be...the essence of being mindful.
Today, enjoy what you have this Christmas Eve, not what you lost or wish you have. Take a moment, and look and with grace and gratitude, enjoy...what is right in front of you.
I wish all my readers a very Merry Christmas
Debbie