The truth is, I don't have a lot of energy this year for Christmas.
I'm happy for Katie that she is able to be with Avi again in Israel, but we miss her sparkle and energy. And as Dad's health continues to decline, we never seem to know what each new day will bring for him. It's hard to watch him change, knowing that this is his new reality, and that life does eventually end. It's hard.
Things are going to be much simpler this Christmas. We have the tree up, and we turn the lights on early in the morning until late at night. But the ornaments haven't made their way up from the basement, and that seems to be okay. I was looking through one on my china hutches, and found a gold heart that pleaded with me to be placed at the top of the tree, The simplicity of it fit.
I'm still figuring out the food situation. I think comfort food will be the theme, with a beef chuck roast in the crockpot, and special mashed potatoes and gravy. I had no ideas for dessert, but Debbie just reminded me of ice cream pie, so ice cream pie it will be!
What I really want for Christmas and the New Year is peace. I don't know if that will be, but I will pray for that, and as always, work on counting my gratitudes. Counting your gratitudes does make a difference, and as Bruce said this morning, at least we have each other.
Now, on to wrap some presents ...
