So as Christmas has been quickly approaching us, many feelings and views on this holiday have entered my thoughts. This Christmas has been different for me this year because 1) I'm in Arizona where no snow, cold, or frost appears. and 2) I will not be choking down the ole' thick, milky, fishy grog we call "Oyester Stew" with my family up north.
The first feelings I had experienced this christmas were of somewhat sadness this Thanksgiving. I went to the movie "Four Christmases" with my sister Lisa and sister-in-law Emily. The take-home message of the movie was that family is the essense of Christmas. Although the movie was something one would consider comedy (and believe me, I laughed until I hurt)...I remember one point of the movie I had tears rolling down my face in wonder of what Christmas will be like without the pickled herring, mom running around the house in a frenzy, and watching all my nephews enjoy the holiday.
However, after we returned from Thanksgiving in North Dakota; Ryan and I put a Christmas tree and decorated it to fullness, baked cookies, and were serenaded by Bing Crosby's christmas hits; I was filled with that "family feeling" that I worried would be lost this year.
This year, I have had to put a little more effort into "getting into the spirit" since the weather is sunny and gorgeous every day (and in NO WAY am I complaining :D), and I had put a great deal of thought into what Christmas is about, and how much family means However, I have found myself extremely happy, light-hearted, and smiling ear-to-ear because I have found that "warm fuzzy family feeling" this year with Ryan.
Words do not explain how happy it makes me feel with Ryan was just as excited about decorating the tree, putting up lights, and decorating christmas cookies as I was. And...he even likes pickled herring--and may some day try oyster stew (Just for tradition's sake). So mom, if you are reading this--and feeling worried that I will be sad this Christmas away from all the action: feel reassured to know that I will be warm, safe, and extremely happy this year; and we will go to Christmas Eve mass ;)
The first feelings I had experienced this christmas were of somewhat sadness this Thanksgiving. I went to the movie "Four Christmases" with my sister Lisa and sister-in-law Emily. The take-home message of the movie was that family is the essense of Christmas. Although the movie was something one would consider comedy (and believe me, I laughed until I hurt)...I remember one point of the movie I had tears rolling down my face in wonder of what Christmas will be like without the pickled herring, mom running around the house in a frenzy, and watching all my nephews enjoy the holiday.
However, after we returned from Thanksgiving in North Dakota; Ryan and I put a Christmas tree and decorated it to fullness, baked cookies, and were serenaded by Bing Crosby's christmas hits; I was filled with that "family feeling" that I worried would be lost this year.
This year, I have had to put a little more effort into "getting into the spirit" since the weather is sunny and gorgeous every day (and in NO WAY am I complaining :D), and I had put a great deal of thought into what Christmas is about, and how much family means However, I have found myself extremely happy, light-hearted, and smiling ear-to-ear because I have found that "warm fuzzy family feeling" this year with Ryan.
Words do not explain how happy it makes me feel with Ryan was just as excited about decorating the tree, putting up lights, and decorating christmas cookies as I was. And...he even likes pickled herring--and may some day try oyster stew (Just for tradition's sake). So mom, if you are reading this--and feeling worried that I will be sad this Christmas away from all the action: feel reassured to know that I will be warm, safe, and extremely happy this year; and we will go to Christmas Eve mass ;)
Comments
Send some warmth & sunshine our way. I'll be in Phoenix a month from today!!!
I know you'll be missing your family; and they'll be missing you...however, WE feel really honored and excited to have you with our family this Christmas!
Hugs,
Lora
I have just read the blog. I laughed and then I cried with each tale and comment. To be perfectly honest, I think oyster stew sounds quite good.
I hope everyone’s Christmas was pleasant. I miss you all very much and look forward to seeing you soon.
Marlys, thank you once again for including us for Thanksgiving, we enjoyed ourselves so much.
God Bless You!
Jan