I hope your next Christmas is much merrier than this past one.

That is why this year we all did a $10 limit for everyone’s gift(s), and it could be recycled, homemade, re-gifted, or clever in any number or ways… (well, I couldn’t talk my parents into participating, because even though we’re all grown & married, they still love to buy us gifts, so we’ll see if they took any of our suggestions of “paring down” to heart.)

For me, the sadness in this season is always that ticking clock, wondering when one of us won’t be part of it anymore due to age, illness, or unforeseen tragedy… I cherish every holiday, often times with trepidation & fear that it’s the last of an era. I treasure the beauty of God’s son being born, the traditional foods, carols, decorations, and the customs of our family coming together, going a little crazy for a few days, and then settling down on the sofa to read the gospel of Luke, laugh, pray, play and love. Merry Christmas!

Well written as always Kate, you are talented.

Instead of relishing THIS season, parents try hard to top LAST season and get a bigger and better gift than the previous year. Four year olds get new TVs, Game systems and an iPod because they “want one”.

As the nuclear family has dissolved – we have bigger families to buy for. Instead of just buying for her mom and dad and his parents, we have his mom and her husbnad, his dad and stepmother, her mother and new boyfriend, and her dad. Not to mention the added “step-siblings” that each new marriage brings. It is exhausting.

With the recession still in full swing and so many out of a job – Christmas really hits hard this year. It’s just one more “bill” that many can’t pay. I can see why it is so hard to feel the joy of this season.

I watched the Nativity story the other night while wrapping some presents, and I too was reminded of the reason for season. We are lucky to have our health, our children, and each other. I also hope for a better, brighter new year.

I’ve always wanted to have a great job, helping the world somehow. After I finally got my degree – I have been lost because I am not able to use it. Somehow this even makes me feel worse than having to leave Michigan State my senior year and watching my friends become college professers, politicians, writers, teachers, etc. Now that I can’t even have a baby I feel, well, a little squishy myself.

I am happy that you are happy being a great mom, and from the few yummy treats I’ve tasted, a great pastry chef!

Take care,
GiGi