This year stands out to me as one of the best in a very long time. I lost my dad in 2011 and my mom in 2015. In between that time there was turmoil among family members which just made get-togethers somewhat uncomfortable and tense We've also had 2 new grand kids during this time. These last several years have had so much change.
Since then, we've, or at least I, have been trying to build some new traditions. Something that is solid to look forward to every year in getting ready for such a hectic time of year. From Thanksgiving through January we have many birthdays along with the holidays. It's almost constant.
This year I feel we achieved the new traditions I craved and found a happy medium that everyone can enjoy. It makes this time of year so much more enjoyable and I'm so glad we've finally got to this point.
Although I miss mom and dad terribly and the holidays will always
be missing something with them gone, I know they are still with us in the only way they can be. I'm okay with that and it brings me peace to know they can watch and see the family having a lovely time, with no tension or strife. I can picture them laughing right along with us as we have the family party in the same house that they lived in and that dad built. I know they will always be there with us.
My grand-daughter is slowly learning the differences between Yule and Christmas and we celebrate both. It's a beautiful thing to see. Soon my grand-son will learn the same thing. I want them to learn that we can celebrate together peacefully and enjoy the season for many different reasons.
I'm terrible with taking pictures, as generally I just want to sit back and take it all in. I really must get better at making those memories printable. That's one thing I will work hard to change starting with my Grand-daughter's birthday next month.
I'd love to hear of other traditions, how others combine differing holidays and family in harmony and how you manage the holidays. I'd love to learn new and more ideas.
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