Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
I posted this blog in 2010, commemorating the sweetest moments of our family’s Christmas celebration that year. But,well, that was five years ago.
I actually had forgotten about the joys of that particular Christmas. Revisiting them brought tears to my eyes.
Read on, and then pause long enough to think of the one, outstanding moment from Christmas 2016 that you don’t want to lose sight of.
Merry Christmas memories to you and yours!
Now, here’s my view of Christmas from 2010:
Isn’t it grand the way Christmas lingers? Most of us keep our trees up at least until New Year’s Day; I know some folks who never take theirs down!
The memories linger, too. As you tuck away your gifts in their new homes, you think about the giver of each item. We remember the meals and the laughter shared. And, usually some family trauma intrudes even this holiday to remind us that relationships are hard to do well, consistently, and lovingly.
For me, a standout memory from this year was that I didn’t decorate our tree. And that wasn’t because I didn’t want to. It’s because life interrupted my best laid plans. My husband was admitted into the hospital on Dec. 17 for symptoms of a potential heart attack.
Sure enough, that’s what was occurring. Eventually the cardiologist had to do a procedure, but Loch is now home and well on the road to recovery.
But, because I had invited our children, grandchildren and spouses to our house for Christmas Day, I wasn’t sure how to pull off that event plus be with hubby. So our daughter Robin brought her husband, two sons (ages 14 and 12), and one dog over to decorate our home. While Robin and I prepared supper, her husband and one son dressed up the tree. Their dog played with my dog and with grandson #2, who loves dogs and would rather roll around on the floor with them than put ornaments on a tree.
When I stepped into the living room to view the vision of loveliness, it was…imperfect in so many ways. The guys didn’t know what to do with my pearl garlands (“What the heck are these for?”), nor had lights and ornaments been hung on any low-lying branches. Guess the guys figured, “Just put up enough ornaments to cover 2/3 of the tree. That ought to do it.”
But you know what? It was a vision of loveliness. Because they were expressing love to me. They were preparing the way for our Christmas celebration together. And they were giving me the best gift of all: a beautiful memory.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Such a beautiful post, Janet! Thank you so much for sharing this.
* There are several memories from Christmas 2016 that I will always treasure:
– The cards, gifts, and donations for dog food that we’ve received from the Books and Such and Five Minute Friday blog communities. These mean so much, especially at the end of a month in which I took yet another downturn and Barb’s Christmas-bonus-plus was eaten by a car accident, and our gifts to one another are pretty much limited to scented candles. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.
– The opportunity to spend time with my wife, watching “Independence Day: Resurgence”, a marvelously fun and goofy exercise in imaginative SciFi.
– The dogs staying quiet during the movie!
– Finally, there is a bit of sorrow and gratitude mixed, for George Michael died this weekend. His life and later music may have stirred controversy, but as a member of Wham! he brought the joy of effervescent pop music to millions…including me. I’m grateful for his life and work, and ask you to say a prayer for his family and friends. His music and generous heart will be missed.
– So, as a tribute, here’s the Youtube link to the official video of “Freedom”. Filmed at one of the first Western pop concerts in China, it’s both a toe-tapping song and a charming video (watch for the Chinese Elvis, and the businessman rocking out in the auditorium).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFwOs-jy53A
Shirlee Abbott
Bless you, Janet, for seeing love in the imperfection–and treasuring it.
*My outstanding moment for 2016: Friends from NYC are regulars at our Christmas Eve service–many years it is the only time we see them. This year, their grandson was with them–my first time to meet him in person. He is autistic–high-functioning, bright and clearly operating at a different rhythm. The kids gathered around the manger for my children’s message, and we talked about barns, and cows, and feed, and why we wouldn’t expect to find a baby in a manger. He interrupted often, eager to add his off-beat thoughts to the discussion.
*After service, as folks mingled and chatted, he bounced. His mom was apologetic. I asked him to do me a favor and blow out the candles in the Advent wreath before they burned too low. “I believe in keeping kids busy,” I said to his mother. She smiled back, “Thank you for trusting him.” She and I watched as he bounded up the three steps to the altar and huffed and puffed. It took many tries, but his smile of success was worth the wait. Joy to the world!
Carol Ashby
I give thanks that your husband is recovering! Sickness and injury have a way of messing with plans. I didn’t do any of my regular decorating, and I couldn’t go shopping. My college daughter told me whatever Mrs.Klaus wanted done, Mr. Klaus and the elf would do.
*It was a lovely Christmas even without the normal trimmings. The celebration of my Savior’s birth is more than enough to make me merry.
Shelli Littleton
Wow, Janet. I’ve had a Christmas this year very similar to yours years ago. We’ve been in and out of the hospital, doctor’s offices, and have had very little time with our girls. The girls usually go out Christmas shopping for me with their dad … but this year was so different. However, the girls had gone out on their own and purchased me a beautiful pair of gloves and a box if Linzer cookies from La Madeleine. I would have had every reason in the world not to have had a package under the tree … but love.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser
Shelli, love is the best present. And I think I speak for everyone in this community – we have been praying for you, dear brave heart. We love you. You are His, and OURS.
Shelli Littleton
Thank you, Andrew
Carol Ashby
Praying for you until you tell me to stop, Shelli.
Shelli Littleton
Thank you, Carol.
Jennifer Zarifeh Major
Ohh, Janet. Seeing Loch’s name made me choke up! I thought of you in particular yesterday, and prayed for you and your family.
But, do the boys know what the pearl garlands are for, yet?
Kristen Joy Wilks
So wonderful, Janet. This reminds me of the year that our third son was born, on December 1st. I didn’t get a tree put up as I was huge pregnant on Thanksgiving and then had a newborn to care for during December. But when I went in for a Dr. visit with the baby, my husband and our two older boys hiked out into the forest, chopped down a tree, brought it home and decorated it. Beautiful!
Janet Grant
What a special gift that tree was. I bet lots of Christmas tree stories are out there. Each signifying a special blessing bestowed on us by others.
Frieda Yang
Dear Janet, what a great piece of story. We as writers are so good at picking out faults and over look the spirit or emotion of the people involved. This is a good reminder that as much as we want to do everything perfectly, we need to be sensitive to the heart and praise the good to build relationships. Thanks for sharing.