One of the most notable things that happened to me on Christmas Eve this year was a short exchange with my brother Mark. We had just celebrated with our annual Christmas Eve at my Mother's home and it had been a little milder than it has in past years. The kids are all teens now and they actually wait for the presents. You all may relate with young children that see presents and that is all they care about. They scream to open them up until the family finally gives in.
Well this year it was much quieter and after we dined to a great Lasagna, peppers and onions, and other dishes....after they were fed.....did the grandchildren start to mumble about opening gifrs. After everything was done, cleaned and exchanged everyone said their good byes.
In the past our family Christmas eve celebrations have been really wild, loud and eventful. This year was definitely much different. I think I was very run down and perhaps this tainted my perceptions. I around the corner from my parents home. It is a two minute walk. When I reached my house my brother Mark, Sister in law Carol, and nephew Christian stop, all sitting in their car. It was around 9pm and they were returning home to Cape May. An extreme feeling of gratitude had come over me. They make this trek every Christmas Eve and do it happily to be with family.
So, I let my brother Mark know how much I appreciated the sacrifice they make to come up here every Christmas Eve. Without missing a beat Mark replied," I really appreciate you being in our family." It was said in such a similar way, like I was making a sacrifice. It was funny and sarcastic and just made me love them even more.
Maybe you just had to be there to understand our exchange.
God Bless you All