Christmas – Missing the Family
Mon, Dec 28, 2009
Christmas was quite different in our household this year. We usually head to my Georgia home to spend time with the folks but given my current situation, travel was ill-advised. So the CPA and I had planned on a nice, low-key weekend by ourselves here in DC. I was totally fine with that too, especially considering that I haven’t exactly been prepared for this Christmas season.
But when we got up Friday morning to open presents and do our usual holiday thing, I found myself a little bit “off.” I couldn’t figure out why either. At least not until I spoke with my family on the phone and the tears came. Honestly – I should be ashamed of myself – crying at my age because I’m not home with my parents! I think it was a little more than that though. I figure it was probably a combo of hormones, emotions gone awry, and a bit of nostalgia in light of so many recent changes.
That said, I actually enjoyed Christmas very much. I love spending time with my husband and it was a perfect day full of naps, yummy food, and relaxation.
We got some pretty good loot too, as far as Christmas presents go. As a family, we agreed to keep it in check this year due to the economy (not to mention our recent baby expenses), so we stuck to our budget pretty well. My sweet man spoiled me with a gift certificate to the Red Door Spa where I can spend the day pampering myself silly.
I, in turn, gave him the keyboard that he had been longing for. (Learning how to play it is completely up to him, however.)
But it was really my parents who stole the show with their creative gifts. My dad and step-mom spent about nine months this year putting together a cookbook for each of us kids.
In it are tried-and-true recipes that have been passed down for generations. The book itself is beautifully made and will definitely be used for years to come.
And to get me in the cooking mood, they included this beautiful apron (which I’m hoping will look better on me once I no longer have a huge belly). I’m totally set!
My mom and step-dad also made their presents this year, all of them in fact, and I am genuinely impressed. This beautiful blanket was handmade and even has our name embroidered in the corner. The CPA has already claimed it as “his” and since I’ve been unusually warm as of late, I didn’t put up an argument. (But I’m sure things will change as soon as I get really cold and am looking for a good blanket – I fully plan to fight for it!)
We also received this great binder that my mom put together which includes all kinds of family history and pictures of ancestors that I’ve never seen before.
Speaking of pictures, they had put together a collection of our family pictures in this lovely frame. There are even a couple of pictures of Oscar and one of our baby’s ultrasound too. In the center of the frame is the Family Proclamation which is a statement by our church that basically summarizes our belief in families and how important they are.
And lastly, I have to mention our “blessing box.”
This is a box where we are to store slips of paper on which we have written down blessings that we are thankful for, with the idea that we will open the box in December of 2010 and read through them. What a fantastic idea! I truly believe that, as a whole, people are more appreciative of the things that they have when they recognize them on a regular basis and I think this will be a great reminder to do just that.
Aren’t my parents amazing? Even though we weren’t able to see them in person during the holidays, I felt close to them simply through the creative things they gave us all because they were made with lots of love and thoughtfulness. They also reminded me of the importance of families and history and selfless giving, which are all examples of the Savior whose birth we were celebrating.
And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?
How was your Christmas? What did you do – anything special? Did you get/give a special gift?
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December 28th, 2009 at 7:41 am
Don’t worry, you’re not the only one who finds the tears coming around Christmas Day. We made a decision a couple of years ago to spend Christmas at our home, as a new family, so that we could implement some traditions of our own. While I’m glad we do (and it’s way cheaper to visit our parents at other times of the year!), I generally have at least a few moments of melancholy, feeling sorry for myself and missing home. It was AWFUL when I was pregnant, and seems to have gotten better each year since, if that makes you feel any better. Our new traditions have begun to take hold, and as our son gets older, he is now beginning to expect things and participate in a more meaningful way, which makes it a lot easier.
PS–Love the family cookbook and the blessing box…my mental wheels are turning with ideas for next Christmas!
December 28th, 2009 at 7:58 am
You shouldn’t be ashamed for crying! (at least I hope not…otherwise I’d be ashamed of myself all the time!) They’re your family and you miss them. Tell Mr. CPA that the Red Door gift card? Two thumbs up! We hosted my family on Christmas day, and my mom helped me with the cooking so my grandmother could have a break for the first time in a long time!
Jill´s last blog ..Ten on Tuesday (v.5)
December 28th, 2009 at 8:36 am
What wonderful and creative gifts! I find myself tearing up around Christmas too. In fact, at the Christmas Eve church service I didn’t even make it one line into the opening hymm and I was flooded with memories of hearing my Dad’s singing voice and the tears just caught up with me.
My Fiance and I agreed to keep it low key this year and focus money on the wedding, and I really didn’t want him to get me anything big because we just ordered my ring and THAT is more than enough Christmas present. Well, he definitely broke that rule when I opened my shiny new gorgeous Kitchenaid stand mixer! I LOVE to bake and have wanted one for so long! He really surprised me. Now I get to enjoy using it and he gets to enjoy eating the results
Love the blessing box, btw. What a sweet and wonderful idea!
December 28th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
What great gifts… and sounds like a wonderful Christmas relaxing. I’m sure your baby enjoyed the time you spent at home resting… instead of traveling!!
Tabitha Blue´s last blog ..
December 28th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
The tears are completely understandable. My parents live in the UK and the Cute Guy’s live in Utah. So, it was just us and the kids this year. I had to give myself a pep talk because I was feeling a little low before Christmas as last year we had gone to visit my family in Christmas and flew out on Christmas Day. My dad is sick and I worry about him, so my emotions felt a little raw. However, it was a lovely laid back day (well, as laidback as you can get with four kids and one crazy puppy).
Just think next year, it’ll be you chasing a cute little (possibly crawling) baby around the tree. How exciting?!
Kim D.´s last blog ..Prep Work
December 28th, 2009 at 9:43 pm
Looks like you had a wonderful Christmas. I know how you feel without family there. It just feels a little off like you said. But you have your sweet family there in D.C. I love the Proclamation to the family picture with your pics surrounding it. I have one with pics of the Savior that my friend made for me. We had all of my family here and it was great. My son got engaged Christmas Eve. That was exciting. You look really great Tabitha. Hope you are getting plenty of rest and plenty of sleep as it may be difficult once baby arrives. Have a wonderful, safe, happy and healthy new year!!
December 29th, 2009 at 8:38 am
I’m with you in that I totally enjoyed Christmas but had the tears flowing because my girls and son out west weren’t with us. But we SO enjoyed being home together and having our son and his wife that live here with us. Our gifts were all so beautiful and meant the world to us. Each was chosen and/or made with so much love. Again, I cried with each gift given.
Cherished memories, love abounding and thank goodness for cell phones for those long conversations with loved ones not actually here.
We’re putting things in our “Blessing Box” already – Heavenly Father is SO good to us. How we love our Savior and are thankful this time of year to remember him. Looking forward to a great 2010 and a super special Christmas next year too!!!
December 29th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Those are absolutely beautiful gifts. You can see the love that was poured into each one. Your family certainly made this a special Christmas for you.
Wishing you all the best in the New Year,
-FringeGirl
the domestic fringe´s last blog ..The Year of the Mexican Birthday…Almost
December 29th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I had the privilege of making my sister’s wedding album. She was born 20 years after me and married 20 years after me, to the month! It was so fun to put together, but the best was receiving the call that it arrived and how much my sister and step-mom loved it! Merry Christmas! Now we’re just waiting for the most important package to come….your little boy!
Nicole´s last blog ..DECEMBER
December 29th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Very moving… and from someone from a family of divorce (at a young age) unfortunately my family is way damaged from the fallout.. as in I know little to nothing about my mom’s side at all! Nothing about ancestors much less current cousins’ names. So this is particularly lovely and what a gift to be able to give to your son- a family like that to be born into. Trust me, this is the most important thing.
I know nothing about nostalgia for home for the holidays as a result. I used to long for the ‘ideal’ until I got married and have a family of my own. Toddler and baby on the way..so I realized ok, make your own traditions and start over. And like your parents I am making some books/photos for my kids with what I *do* know. Better than what I had and I know they will love it like I would have:) I think the cookbook is SO cool too.. how professional looking.
Finally…I must note though I am a Catholic (not hitting services due to sleeping in,,excuses etc. ahem..) I appreciate seeing people who are practicing their faith- actively- whatever it might be. It’s honestly refreshing and something I do not see much anymore. Whatever religion those values will be important in raising your son, instilling a sense of morals/character and importantly a sense of community in a world that seems chaotic. Also a gift you both are giving to him upon his arrival. The intangible ‘gifts’ are the most precious. It’s great to see people celebrating Christmas with the respect and joy that it truly deserves and not the greedy attitude of mass consumption that it seems to have become in recent generations. So… GOOD FOR YOU
))
December 29th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I just wanted say how much I loved your comments – they truly touched me. And I love to hear your Christmas stories too – it’s amazing to me how blessed we all are.
December 30th, 2009 at 7:45 am
this post makes me miss being with you for christmas so much! glad you had a great day though. i need to see you soon!!!
The Wife of Odie´s last blog ..merry christmas
December 31st, 2009 at 10:14 am
We stayed in and walked to my parents’ home. Nothing special, but at the same time, it was everything perfect for us =)