Traditions Are For The Children
Because we were in Washington for the last three weeks we didn’t have our Christmas tree up. Chloe, who is seven, couldn’t stand it any longer. She said, “Grandma, aren’t we even going to put up a tree this year or have a Christmas party?” It wasn’t so much the words I guess, as the way she said them … but it worked. Tonight after the children were in bed, and after “Grandpa” got home from watching the University of Utah ball game on television at our son’s house, he got the boxes containing our Christmas tree from under the house (who would have ever thought when we were kids that we would get our Christmas tree from a box under the house). We got it put up, the lights on, and the ornaments hung … and it’s only 1:30 in the morning.
Christmas perspectives have changed a lot for us over the years, which is pretty natural since every year we are older … and wiser? Most of the traditions are things we do now are for the sake of the children … and being tired and achy doesn’t count when it comes to making things good for the children.
The last family Christmas event my grandparents had was when Grandma was 89 years old. Their house was decorated as spectacular as always and it was filled with four generations of people. Grandma had fallen earlier in the day and we didn’t know it at the time, but she had a broken hip. She was in such terrible pain she couldn’t get out of her bed but she refused to go to the hospital and would not cancel the party and dinner. My Uncle, who was a doctor, attended to her at her home and my mother and aunt and other uncles helped with the final preparations for the party. That night each one of us went one at a time quietly in to Grandma’s bedroom where she talked to us briefly and expressed her love. I think she knew but I didn’t know, that night would be the last time she would see us. After the party she was taken to the hospital where she slipped into unconsciousness and passed away a few weeks later.
Grandma’s last Christmas gift was her unselfish service to her family. She didn’t want to disappoint the children. Every single year I remember the effort my grandparents, and then my own parents put into creating wonderful family memories for their children and grandchildren. They gave us many of the traditions we carry on today with our own children and grandchildren. It’s like my sister said today, “In a few years you won’t remember how much effort it took to get ready … but you will never forget the light in their eyes.”
So … we are planning a dinner, and a family party, doing last minute shopping, have presents to wrap, house to clean, carols to sing, games to play, and programs to watch … for the children.
Technorati Tags: Christmas Traditions, Christmas Love, Grandma’s Christmas Gift
Edna, yours sounds like such a wonderful family I feel jealous I wasn’t born in it as well. I’m serious though I jest just a little as my family was very special too, just not in the traditional sense. But in your writing the warmth of your upbringing in such a caring family comes through shining. Those children are so lucky to have you. Have a wonderful holiday–yourself, your husband, AND the children!
P.S. Oh I forgot to say that I’m happy you’re home safe and have a few days to thaw out before the “big” day.