Christmas 2024 is fast approaching. It got me thinking about things. I have experienced a lot of Christmas seasons in my life. I can measure my personal growth through the years by reflecting on each Christmas and my memories of it. This leads me to my question about Christmas and the season this year.
My thoughts about Christmas Time
Is it me, or is this a more widespread issue for us seniors?? As I learn to enjoy my mid seventies at Christmas time, my thoughts turn to the reality of this age of life for me. Kathy and I discussed this a bit. We used to have a Christmas party at our house with both of the families every year. Kathy and I used to buy gifts for everybody, even when we all got beyond the age of needing anything more to add to the clutter. We learned it was about the giving, not the receiving. The gift didn’t matter as much as what it represented. Still, it faded from our holiday tradition.
Even Our Family Is Shrinking
Now our family is shrinking. Two sets of parents are on to their next great adventure. So is my sister’s husband. There are no more grandparents either. One brother and sister in law live out of state and are only a Christmas phone call. Nieces and nephews are at most, part of the Christmas card list and nothing more.
The holidays Have Changed
The holidays and we have changed. Christmas has become more spiritual and less transactional. I can’t say it’s better. It’s certainly not worse. We are past the days of getting up and out to Christmas festivities with friends, neighbors and business associates. It’s too much trouble. Still, I find myself at peace with my life and, yes, with my family. It’s enough to know we are still relatively healthy and safe. Amen.
