We went to my Aunt and Uncle's place for Christmas tonight. This has been a celebration on my Mom's side of the family for as long as I can remember. Like the individual families involved, the tradition has evolved over the years. It used to be held on Christmas Eve but it became too difficult to get everyone together then, believe it or not. Work and other family committments required us to change the event to the last Sunday before Christmas. That worked for awhile and now it rotates times just like it has rotated locations.
I haven't been able to attend the past couple of times due to work and illness but this year was a "go" as I had the weekend off (something that never would have occurred under the RS regime).
To see folks I haven't seen in years made me very happy. I felt like a little kid again. Hugs, handshakes, and good natured jibes between my brother and me made me feel so alive.
Things really didn't hit home until my uncle said/did something new this year. Before the Blessing, he went over to pictures of my grandparents and simply stated that "this celebration was their idea, it began with them".
At that very moment, a flood of memories overwhelmed me. Things like:
Christmas Eve at Grandma's house, now a part of an Interstate.
Being a kid and waiting (not very patiently) for the grownups to finish eating and talking so we could get down to the real business...Presents!
The actual ritual of handing out all the gifts.
The food.
The smells.
The decorations.
The drive to and from the relative's houses...I'm not kidding.
And of course...the people.
Folks I see only once a year, some I would see all the time. Growing up, there wasn't anyone in my age group...most were older then they started having kids and I was no longer the youngest...didn't ruin my enjoyment at all.
Tonight the place was full of family members of all ages. A packed house it was.
But...we were missing a few people, and those memories were felt just as strongly:
My Mom.
My Dad.
Grandma and Granddad
I was a little kid again tonight...maybe there's hope for me after all.
The only bad thing was we had to leave way too early as MB had work to catch up with. Even being your own boss doesn't relieve you of time obligations. Of course, I managed to say all my goodbyes with the promises of seeing everyone sometime soon and not just at Christmas.
I hope the room is just as full next year.
Posted by mrchipper at December 16, 2007 09:37 PM