A Mother's Christmas

Preparing for Christmas as now the mother of two small children floods my mind with memories of so many Christmas' from my childhood. How did my mother put together such wonderful holidays and stay sane. My two sisters and I always had thoughtful gifts, full stockings, dinner with all the trimmings, decorations inside and out.  One year we were even disappointed that she didn't wrap our gifts, just laid them out in piles. We had the nerve to complain!!!! So then from year on in, my Mother wrapped all of our gifts without complaint. I think I believed in Santa until I was 15 because she was that good!!

My shopping and wrapping are done. The decorations are up and today was the last school holiday function. I ran out of Elf on the Shelf spots three days ago. Cards are mailed. Advent calendar has lots of open slots.  I am exhausted and we still have three days until the big day. But when I look back at the memories of Christmas my mother made for our family, I want the same for my children.  I don't remember most of the gifts, but I remember my Mother preparing and caring that we had a wonderful holiday each year.
  I still go to my parents (and sisters) homes for Christmas Eve. My saintly  husband doesn't mind that we actually pack up the car of the presents, kids, stockings and our dog to drive over 2 hours to my parents house. I am 47 and could not possibly have Christmas Eve without sleeping in the same house with my Mother and sharing Christmas with her.  I know that I am incredibly blessed to be able to do so.  Bringing my daughter for her first Christmas will make it even more special.

I hope that in my children's future Christmas memories, they realize too that the crazy shopping, errands, parties, church plays, school concerts, Grinch/Frosty/ Rudolph movies, Xmas books, food and gifts were all done because they are and always will be loved. I hope they realize what I know now. Christmas was made special because my Mother wanted it to be, because she loved us.

Just to be clear, my father was no slouch in the holiday department. I'm just coming from a Mother's perspective. With three little girls at Xmas, I am sure just once he wished one of us would ask for a baseball.

Charlotte and my Mother, Mommie

Kerry and my Mother

Poppie and Charlotte

Walking at the Cape