This year marks the first time in my life that I won’t be with my parents on Christmas Day.
I know most folks don’t make it to this age without having hit such a milestone already. In fact, my husband has celebrated with my family ever since we got married, in spite of our initial intent to alternate years. And my younger sister has spent Christmas away from the rest of us for the sake of her own in-laws.
But for me this is new and different. We’ve always managed it somehow. And even though they’re only out of state, not gone forever, it’s still hard. I miss them, and even worse, my son misses them. He’s old enough to remember how we spent last Christmas visiting them and he brings up how much he wishes we could do the same this time.
I’m reminded of a beautiful phrase a friend of mine shared recently, “It’s not the date, it’s the day.” It doesn’t really matter whether we’re together on December 25th, what matters is the quality time we do spend together and the memories we make.
So whether your loved ones are near or far, let them know how much their presence means to you, in whatever shape that reunions takes. Stay home and stay safe!