christmastime

When I was a child I would spend Christmas' in the south at my grandparents. My parents rarely decorated our home or had a Christmas tree since we wouldn't be around. It was never Christmas for me until we pulled in to their driveway after 10 hours of being cooped up in the car. I have fond memories of rich decorations and gigantic Christmas trees in my grandparents beautiful Victorian house. There was always a large family gathering with lots to say and do and sensory overloads from the meticulously placed poinsettias, the noises of the people, and the smells of the kitchen.

When my grandparents passed away, any holiday sense of tradition I may have had left with them. Since then, I have never really fallen into any set Christmas ways. The only thing I have retained is my attendance at Midnight Mass. Over the past several years, I've taken to going solo on this spiritual obligation. Sometimes I wish that I could get caught up in the spirit of the season - and time may see my view altered - but for now, my quiet reflections are more fulfilling than any big Christmas "to-do" could ever hope to be.