’Twas the night before Christmas…

Kick Start Thursdays

It’s Christmas Eve. December 24, 2020.

The pandemic continues.

Yet, we endure.

My kids are grown. One returned home in March. One earned a new position in March.

We march ahead.

It’s Christmas Eve day and I’m reminded of so many Christmas Eves before.

My father wheezing while reading ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. My sister and I sitting on his lap. His labored breath. His kind words. His careful attention to saying the words out loud.

Could I read then?

Years later, my husband and I continue the same tradition for our infant son.

Two years later, we added a daughter.

We read the story out loud.

And every year after that.

Different settings. Different clothing. Different background.

The background of our lives constantly shifting, changing, morphing.

But the tradition continues.

We record every session. First on VHS tape. Then on digital. Now…
…to the cloud?!

The kids grew. They introduced themselves. Say their ages. Tell where they are in school, then where they are out…in the wide world.

Some years, we delay the reading. Not together on December 24th.

We’ll do it tomorrow. Or the day after.

“One year, we’ll put this all together,” someone says.

But we never do. Haven’t yet.

That feels like a thing you do when you’re done. But this tradition…
…and perhaps ALL…traditions are never done.
Are they?

Christmas Eve. I feel nostalgic for the big family gatherings of my youth.

Looking forward to getting together at relatives' homes in Arlington, Newton, Acton, Littleton, and our house, too.

Seeing my uncles and aunts, cousins, grandparents, hugging and kissing. As the day progressed, the volume of talk and laughter increased. Now I know it was probably alcohol that prompted the crescendo. But also, just being together.

Thinking, remembering, musing. Just like today.

I am thankful for what we have. Thankful for memories of what we had. Hopeful for future memories yet to be had.

But, it’s not about me, about us. It’s about you. Take care of yourself. We need each other.

’Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

What is your tradition? Cherish it. Hold it. Let it go. Make it new.

It’s all good. Are you good? Good. Me, too.