Christmas felt a little different today. Maybe it was the quiet realization that time doesn’t stand still. Molly is a senior, and as Addison reminded me this morning, this might be her last Christmas as a “kid.” The weight of that thought stayed with me all day. It wasn’t just about Molly growing up, it was about how much has changed around us.
I watched my oldest brother and sister-in-law cradle their first grandchild, a beautiful reminder of how life keeps moving forward. My nephew wasn’t with us this year because he’s serving our country being his awesome self. And instead of early-morning chaos with kids running to see if Santa came, I found myself surrounded by my two teenagers sleeping in. Not wanting to wake them but yet wanting to wake them. I am pumped to have alexa on my fridge so I put Santa Claus is Coming to Town by no other Bruce at volume 10 when I couldn't wait any longer.
My parents gave Shane a Saint Christopher pendant this year, a gift with so much meaning. Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, symbolizes protection, a silent prayer that Shane will stay safe while venturing from home. My heart goes out to my friends who are also in this season of life, caring for parents and relatives while balancing everything else. Being in our 40's brings a new kind of responsibility, one that we didn't see coming when we were younger. It's a delicate and often heavy role, but it's one that defines this chapter of our lives. A wise woman and her Mom told me today "don't be sad for too long, the world will keep spinning tomorrow." ❤️
Today wasn’t the Christmas of years past, but it carried a new kind of meaning. I sat back and truly appreciated the quiet, beautiful moments that often get overlooked. Watching my great-niece peacefully asleep on her daddy’s legs, I felt grateful for the gift of family. The joy of seeing my niece’s fiancé and my nephew’s girlfriend thoughtfully pick gifts for my parents during our Secret Santa exchange reminded me that our family, though changed and grown, is still connected by loyalty.
We don’t always pause to notice the little things, the big meals (thanks Miss), the laughter, the simple presence of loved ones, but today I did. And in those moments, I realized that we’ve all done okay in life.
So this year, I’m toasting to everyone who shows up fully, not just for the good times, but for the hard ones too. To those who cheer on my kids, my brother's kids and every awesome person they brought home for us to meet, care for aging relatives, and embrace the chaos and love of family: Merry Christmas. May this season remind us to slow down, savor these fleeting moments, and celebrate the incredible people in our lives.
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