Christmas Memories ... Fresh ones

The great thing about Christmas memories is that ones from 40 years ago are wonderful and carry great emotion, but the most recent ones can be just as strong. Every year has something in it that create a memory. It might be gifts that didn't make the trip, forgotten ingredients for a special dish at dinner, surprised exclamations from loved 0nes as they open a gift, the what is this look as a present has to be explained, and so much more. The key is to realize that each moment is a special memory in the making.

For me, just being with the family makes Christmas memorable. We have been fortunate to be with our children and grandchildren every Christmas, or at least within a few days of Christmas. I know that the string will come to end, but I am enjoying it for as long as it lasts.

This year was another memorable one. Granted we were only together for about 20 hours, but we packed a lot into those hours. We celebrated my daughter-in-law's birthday (the big 30), we played games (we never get together without doing that) we exchanged gifts and we had an awesome brunch together. The grandkids swallowed a couple of bites and then ran off to play with their new gifts. The rest of us ate and talked for quite a while, it was a wonderful time. Then we all went our own way, either to be with other family or to get to our duties as pastors.

Christmas day was quiet and fun. Our oldest daughter was with the wife and I. We slept in, went to a neighbor's for a wonderful brunch (she had biscuits and gravy!!!) we really got to know them much better, we played games and watched old TV shows, I grilled Christmas dinner (ribs and chicken), we played more games and watched more old shows and laughed at each other a lot. It was a good day.

Christmas memories are wonderful, make them and share them every year. Here's hoping you had a wonderful Christmas.