Traditions are special and I could write of so many good ones throughout my life, visiting grandparents, sledding with cousins, skiing with my own family, eating breakfast out with relatives on the way to someone else's home. I've had a lot of merry Christmases and am thankful for the lovely memories. This year we'll have a great time, especially with the little ones, but I've found that the traditions are just that, traditions, and without those we love, they are bittersweet. I miss my husband, and we will visit him today and give him hugs and ice cream. I miss him being "Santa" to us all. He was a good one! My new home will be a treasure to me I know, and I will love it and create my own traditions. Again, I am grateful that I am able to find new paths in my life.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
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| The kitchen tree! |
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| Ingrid decorating for me. Love those candy canes! |
Merry Christmas, Linda! I'm glad some things have stayed the same for you this holiday. Have a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katherine-best to you too!
DeleteI love your kitchen tree, that's a new one for me. Ingrid is such a cutie! Enjoy your family on this holiday. Blessings to you Linda!
ReplyDeleteThanks Elsie-lovely to hear from you!
DeleteMerry Christmas, Linda. I feel the empty spot in your heart. You are trying so hard to keep traditions and to see all the good in life. I admire you so much. The candy canes crooked on the tree all in one spot...beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThe tree, as done by Ingrid, is delightful. Thanks for the kind words, Margaret. I hope you had a lovely day today!
DeleteOh, I was so happy that you were spending the holidays with family but then I got to the lines about missing your husband and could feel that sense of mixed emotions. Such a transition in life. I am glad that you are able to write about your thoughts and emotions during this phase of your life.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It was a wonderful day, fun with all the family, but still sad.
DeleteYou are so right about the complex and difficult emotions of this holiday. Your post is a reminder that the traditions always morph as do people as we move through the journey of life. I'm reading through the lines of your post that you, like many of us, are keeping grounded by "living in the moment" as much as we can; yet, it is challenging to "stay" grounded and not become lost in what has been or what might be. I'm glad you are settled somewhat in this new place to start new memories and embrace new trees covered with canes at eye level! Adorable!
ReplyDeleteIt turned out to be a good Christmas, Anita, celebrating with my family is a good thing & I am grateful for their care, too. Thank you.
DeleteOh my goodness! Ingrid on that little stool - ADORABLE. And your "kitchen" tree. LOVE! Linda, I'm happy your new house is becoming home. xo
ReplyDeleteThank you Irene. The grandchildren make it all the best. I hope you had a lovely Christmas too.
DeleteSo glad to hear you had a lovely Christmas. Traditions are so important. When they change it is often hard to accept or adapt. But as we build new ones, in new places, they too can become special. Merry Christmas Linda!
ReplyDeleteThank you Beverley. It did turn out to be a very nice one. I hope yours did, too.
DeleteChristmas time is such a time for the bittersweet, happy/sad jumble of feelings as we celebrate the joy of now, long for joys of the past, and start new traditions as we cherish old ones, too. Your writing so touched my heart!
ReplyDeleteThank you-you've said what's so true, much to think about this holiday.
DeleteMerry Christmas Linda. I wish you many happy new traditions and Christmases to come in your new home.
ReplyDeleteTammy
I hear your Christmas joy and your hope. What a year of changes it has been for you Linda. We all face challenges and uncertainties the grace with which you handle yours are an encouragement.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It has been quite a year, but I am looking forward to 2013, with a new home & new challenges. Your kindness is a joy, too, Kim.
DeleteBlessings to you, Linda. It is encouraging to read how you look for and find the best in life. Traditions have to start somewhere and sometime, so best wishes to you as you continue some old tradtitions and also begin some new ones. Thank you for sharing so simply and so deeply from your heart. You'll be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I hope you had a good Christmas, too.
DeleteI absolutely adore your kitchen tree, Linda. My husband has also created a handcrafted tree for us which is basically up the whole year long! :) Its great to make new traditions as well. As you know, my best friend and her family came over from the Philippines, so it's only now that I have the time to visit friends' blogs! I've been so behind. :)
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