Each year my extended family gets together prior to Christmas. Mom does her now famous chili and hot chocolate. Everyone else brings their favorite dessert. We spend the first hour or so gathering and eating. Then the rest of the evening is spent in an impromptu program. Each family has an opportunity to share their talents. Some sing. Others play the piano, read stories or poems. Most often it is a time to share something that has touched you during the year or a time to show off the cute kids.

My family is filled with cute little kids. Half the fun is seeing them grow up, change, get excited about Christmas, etc. Tonight my little niece, Aspen, spent the entire eveing sitting in my lap. My Mom shared a story toward the end of the evening. She asked the question, "What is Christmas?" Aspen wispered the anwer in my ear. "I know what Christmas is..... it's in three days," she said. I laughed.

Several of the young men in my family are in the military. One was there in uniform. Dad had him stand and talk about his service. We all paused to think of the brave young women and men that are so far away from family and friends today. Tears were shed. Appreciation expressed by all.

Nearly five years ago my Grandpa Carbine passed away. He was 90 years old and was our patriarch. One of his fears was that these family gatherings would end with his passing. Well, Grandpa, we're still going strong. In fact, getting together as a family has taken on even greater meaning since 9-11. Perhaps, at least for me, it is part of growing up and understanding what is really important and what is just noise in the system. I'm grateful to be part of a family. We have our flaws. We are loud and boistrous. But through it all we love each other, pray for each other, watch out for each other and enjoy the times we spent together. It's part of our traditions. It's who we are..........
9:21:04 PM    comment []