The Day After

As the rain today melts away the white Christmas snow of yesterday and the torn remnants of wrapping paper are taken out with the trash I reflect on yet another Christmas come and gone. The stress of shopping is over and the moments of anticipation have past. Once again it was good to spend time with family and friends as that is the most important part of the holiday, the sharing of food and laughter is more important than the giving of gifts.

In the area of gifts I have to say that everyone did a good job where I was concerned this year. Everything I received was something I wanted or needed so I did not feel anyone wasted their good money just to get me "something". I especially appreciated the gifts that were hand made with ones own labor and creativity. It is easy to buy something at the store but when one spends their own time and labor it truly means something.

Our family routine for the holidays has been established for some years now and it has become a comfortable tradition. I have to wonder though how long it will be until that "tradition" changes as the kids grow older and make their way out into the world. Just as our parents had to change their traditions so will we and in time they to will become comfortable.

Thank you to all who reached out to us this Christmas. Your cards, food, gifts and mostly your friendship means a lot to us and is truly appreciated. I hope you enjoyed your Christmas as much as we did.

Only 364 more shopping days until Christmas 2006.