This is my favorite time of year. It begins in October and runs through
the end of December.
The leaves fall, the pumpkins are carved, and Halloween arrives with
costumes and candy and trick-or-treaters. I enjoy Halloween. It’s my younger
son’s birthday and the family often gathered for his birthday party and then the
children went trick or treating with most of the parents tagging along. Lots of
family and fun.
Less than a month later, it’s Thanksgiving. Mom and dad, my siblings and
their families, all cooperated with me for many years, allowing me to cook the
turkey and fill my dining room table and the chairs around it, with family,
food, and good cheer.
Finally, Christmas is in sight. Suddenly we’re in full swing with shopping,
decorating, sprucing up the house and preparing for the arrival of the kids (of
all sizes and ages) and other guests, while making sure Christ is remembered
and honored throughout the traditional hustle and bustle.
While we are busy making memories, life and the passing of time bring
changes. Some changes happen quietly or gradually, some are abrupt and tear at
our hearts. The children grow up and build lives elsewhere. Parents age and are
lost to us. Grandchildren arrive. In-laws must be considered. This change is a
tradition of its own—one that generations of families have experienced and
shared throughout history. Change is the nature of life, including for us and for
the people we love.
That’s what my novella, Beach Christmas, is about—traditions and family,
and embracing change. Sometimes we can’t conceive of welcoming change, but change
is inevitable. Change can be bittersweet or tragic, but change can also be
joyful. Don’t hold onto the past too tightly. Make peace with the past and with
the present feeling of loss, and look for joy in the now.
What holiday traditions and memories do you cherish?
Beach
Christmas is available in ebook and print, and also in the Sweet Christmas
Kisses box set at Kindle,
KOBO,
Nook
and iBooks.
~*~*~*~
Grace Greene writes women's fiction and contemporary romance with
suspense. A Virginia native, Grace has family ties to North Carolina. She
writes books set in both locations.
The Emerald Isle books, BEACH RENTAL and BEACH WINDS, are set in North
Carolina where "It's always a good time for a love story and a trip to the
beach." Or travel down Virginia Country Roads in KINCAID'S HOPE, A
STRANGER IN WYNNEDOWER, and CUB CREEK and "Take a trip to love, mystery
and suspense." Find Grace at her website, on Facebook and Twitter.
It's so true that change is a constant among families. As you say, the little ones grow up and others are taken into the fold, and sadly, some of the older generation passes on. The lovely thing about the holidays is it's a great time to remember and cherish those we hold dear.
ReplyDeleteOne of our favorite family traditions is playing group games. There's one we call "The Dictionary Game" in which everyone invents a false definition and the person holding the dictionary contributes the real one. (All must agree in advance that no one knows the meaning of the chosen word.) Then a blind vote is taken on which definition everyone believes to be real. Points are awarded both for duping the others, and also for guessing correctly. It's been fun to see the younger children grow into real competitors, as they've matured and their vocabulary has expanded. Most often now, it's the youngest who wins the game! :)
Sounds like a wonderful game! The memories we make can last a lifetime, as well as keeping our family ties strong in the present. Merry Christmas!
DeleteBeautiful blog, Grace, and spot-on! My favorite new tradition is a dinner that I host in my studio apartment on Christmas Day. This is year 3, and once I had 12 people. (All the regular furniture was slid up against the walls so folding chairs and tables could go down the center.) The guests are dear friends who supported our family in our most difficult times. We've all been through many changes and losses, but on Christmas Day those of us who gather together are focused on love and gratitude.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful. This will be a quiet year for us but the years where we pulled up every table and every chair to make room for everyone, were my favorite years.
DeleteLovely memories, Grace. I, too, love this time of year, especially the opportunity to be with friends and family. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you, too! We need to enjoy our loved ones at every opportunity.
DeleteLovely post. I love this time of year and was able carve out what I felt was important for my family. Time together. Whether it is decorating the tree, driving around looking at lights or baking cookies. Thank you Grace.
ReplyDeleteSo true! It isn't so much the 'what' as it is to be doing it together. That's what makes the memories special.
DeleteMy tradition is getting together with as many of the family as we can.
ReplyDeleteAnd it passes so swiftly, doesn't it? Of course, we're exhausted when it's done :-)
DeleteMy tradition is to cook. Seems like I spend all holidays in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteGrace, I loved your story. Heartfelt and touching.
Thanks, Melinda. Merry Christmas!
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