My Christmas 2009

Six weeks before this Christmas 2009 my family and I lost a love one who recently died, it was the first time that we spent our Christmas mourning a family member, she was an old lady 84 years old, yet it took us by surprise, generally speaking she was in a good shape and had a big desire for living many more years, she was preparing for our family gathering this year, had bought some things already for our special dinner before hand. I remember her being the one who would assemble all those figures, mountains, animals, around the holy family filling an entire room, big one, her collection of adornments is truly amazing, my mother has that great sense for this celebration thanks to her, my aunt used to be very enthusiastic with this time of the year, she was like my grand mother; neither her nor us were ready for this unfortunate event.

Some times we know that Christmas can also bring up sad, grieve times for those who have lost a relative, making it a difficult time for all family members, often it’s not but until it happens to us that we understand this fully. However, this experience can also be an opportunity to rebuild or refresh bonds, that otherwise were before somehow fading. She was among us. Yes aunty, you were here and we know that.

For you guys, don`t forget that this holiday season is one to have chance to spend time with family and relatives, some times with close friends too. Kids make the best of this season, and we are all allowed to get back to our childhood, we’re actually expected to play, laugh and have fun, sharing with our dear ones, time to cook and prepare the best of our most tasteful and classic recipes, some times so old that can take us back to several generations in our family maybe even centuries, it can be fun too trying to track back in time where and when they come from, or to try new ones, maybe even so different to our backgrounds instead.

It gets crazy out there and indoors too, every year we do the same things, however, every year brings us a new opportunity to be nice to our family and friends, letting them know that we care, that we think of them, sometimes even with so many years with physical distance, friends from childhood, college, work, besides we have now technology recently added in our lives, social network, emails and others, it’s priceless; so an opportunity to reconnect and to spoil them and let them spoil you too, receiving electronic cards, thoughtful emails, sending and receiving appreciation, while having fun, toasting, being grateful for being here among us should be enough, gifts are just an excuse, and I am hopeful we people are learning what matters.
Let`s toast Merry Christmas,Happy Holidays for everyone! Cheers!