For the next couple weeks I will be posting the Gratitude Journal prompts that are being given to my students and my response post.

Great question. I have fond memories of just being with family, Christmas breakfasts, and a house full of relatives and friends. When we were little kids the five of us had to wait until mom and dad decided to get up but would gather around the tree in our PJs. My oldest sister thought that if we sang Christmas carols, that would encourage mom and dad to get up. I don’t think that worked. Another time, my younger brother got so excited that he threw up. Great times. 

There was also the year that my dad decided to get us all gifts. Traditionally we each got one gift, obviously bought by mom, but from “mom and dad.” This one year dad decided to get us all “practical” gifts, like I think one of my older sisters got deodorant  and someone else got Noxzema skin cream. He meant well, but I’m pretty sure that was the last time dad went the “practical” route. 

As we got older and moved out of the house we would all get together for Christmas Eve to exchange gifts, eat, drink and spend time together. We’re all scattered across the United States now, mom and dad are gone and COVID took a huge bite out of travel and traditions over the past couple of years. But I have wonderful memories of getting together with my siblings and just hanging out. Turns out that we can do whenever we want and don’t have to wait for the holidays… 

I hope your hearts are warmed by memories of holiday fun and the future possibilities of making new holiday memories with friends and loved one.