As I get older, the loss of the holiday traditions that my mom carried on are now being eroded in my home.  There are a few reasons for that, some because we are a mixed heritage household, some because time does not allow the leisure to participate, make, decorate the way I used to.  

But for me, the loss is felt most because I live so very far away from my core family, who are in Texas…ALL OF THEM.  I rarely travel during the holidays, though we have in the past. 

I think also, not having grandchildren to take the place of the kids in the home in yonder years also works to erode the reason to go all out.  My mom, every year when we were young hosted an “Open House” on Christmas Eve.  This was for friends mainly, because we truly did not have much in the way of family.  She would cook and bake for days to get ready for this.  Decorating the Christmas tree was done about 2 weeks prior to that day, and we spent the evening watching the Christmas classics (my favorite was How the Grinch Stole Christmas, NOT with Jim Carey!) while decorating the tree and then would always have my mom’s famous potato cheese soup after. 

Now that I have typed all of this out, I guess what I miss most about Christmas is, simply, my mom! 

So, in reflection, I think we should all try to be mindful that not everyone celebrates, nor feels they have a reason to celebrate and maybe, just maybe, they just need a warm smile instead of a holiday greeting.

I don’t know the appropriate greetings for all heritages, so I will simply say, Ho Ho HO…peaceful holidays to all!