I've had three people so far tell me this - that not going back East this year to be with family wasn't such a bad thing, as it will allow us to make our own traditions. The problem is that I rather like the ones we already have, so this particular sentiment wasn't all that helpful. I mean, I kind of agree. We're shaping Ben's Christmas experience and we get to do it however we like, but there's a lot to be said for longstanding traditions.
This will be the second year that we've stayed in California for Christmas. After the first time we said we'd never do it again. It was lonely. But that was before we had an energetic baby who makes the prospect of a cross country flight terrifying. So we stay. We long to have family near most of the year anyway, and the holidays just amplify that. I'm drawn to all the sappy commercials of smiling people gathering over long, beautifully decorated tables full of food and even though I know that they were just actors who probably didn't know each other from Adam I always think to myself how lucky they are.
I'm lucky too though, and it's important that I remember that. I'll be here with my little family and we'll have the best Christmas we possibly can. I hope memories are made and happiness abounds. So many people don't even have the chance at that, so despite my previous statements I really am looking forward to Christmas even if it's not quite the way I wish it could be.
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