As a kid growing up I suppose Christmas was about like millions of others. In the early years it included Santa but as a teen I was more interested in being with my girlfriend than family.
My wife and I were at different colleges when we got engaged and then there was a big break during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, but then back to school for a couple of weeks and finals. I do not know the "Moran" who came up with that. But this period was the only time for the wedding. There had been a history in both families of marriage of Christmas Day weddings so that was the choice.
After that Christmas changed as my sister had kids and we had graduated and did not live in the area any longer So Mom expanded Christmas into a huge family event with aunts and uncles and cousins and the like. She loved that and was some kind of cook, so it was a feast like no other. And that period is my fondest memories of Christmas, even topping the Santa days.
After Dad died things were never the same but Mom attempted to have a scaled down version of what had gone one for many years. Now that Mom is also gone, and some time before, Christmas has been a small, quiet, private affair. My son was born 9 years after we married--born at the UT hospital (where else.) But still we had the big Christmas at my parents for a time and later small gatherings at home with usually my son, and our pets as then later when he came in from college and then Law School.
This Christmas is a little different as last night we went to his house for grilled steaks and gift exchanges. Just the 4 of us, including his girlfriend of 15 years. Years ago a close friend died and his widow has become a part of our family almost, in reality most, and that is another story but tonight we are going to her house and our son will be here too as his girlfriend will be with her elderly parents and her family.
Today my wife and I will celebrate our wedding anniversary during the day, starting off with a pancake and bacon breakfast (eat your heart out Stonewall LOL)
Next year takes a different twist as we will have cousins and my son at our place in the NC mountains.
As a young man I made a lot of poor decisions, but got it right when I married Carol. I definitely got the better deal. Her, not so better.
Merry Christmas . Now I'll go and kiss the bride and give her her Christmas gifts and then the special gift for our 58th wedding anniversary. And GBO.
My wife and I were at different colleges when we got engaged and then there was a big break during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, but then back to school for a couple of weeks and finals. I do not know the "Moran" who came up with that. But this period was the only time for the wedding. There had been a history in both families of marriage of Christmas Day weddings so that was the choice.
After that Christmas changed as my sister had kids and we had graduated and did not live in the area any longer So Mom expanded Christmas into a huge family event with aunts and uncles and cousins and the like. She loved that and was some kind of cook, so it was a feast like no other. And that period is my fondest memories of Christmas, even topping the Santa days.
After Dad died things were never the same but Mom attempted to have a scaled down version of what had gone one for many years. Now that Mom is also gone, and some time before, Christmas has been a small, quiet, private affair. My son was born 9 years after we married--born at the UT hospital (where else.) But still we had the big Christmas at my parents for a time and later small gatherings at home with usually my son, and our pets as then later when he came in from college and then Law School.
This Christmas is a little different as last night we went to his house for grilled steaks and gift exchanges. Just the 4 of us, including his girlfriend of 15 years. Years ago a close friend died and his widow has become a part of our family almost, in reality most, and that is another story but tonight we are going to her house and our son will be here too as his girlfriend will be with her elderly parents and her family.
Today my wife and I will celebrate our wedding anniversary during the day, starting off with a pancake and bacon breakfast (eat your heart out Stonewall LOL)
Next year takes a different twist as we will have cousins and my son at our place in the NC mountains.
As a young man I made a lot of poor decisions, but got it right when I married Carol. I definitely got the better deal. Her, not so better.
Merry Christmas . Now I'll go and kiss the bride and give her her Christmas gifts and then the special gift for our 58th wedding anniversary. And GBO.
