Who is going to cook what?
There comes a time when the mamas, aunts and grandmas have to pass their aprons, recipes and how-to down to the next generation. Family gatherings around Thanksgiving and Christmas are part of the joy of the holiday! Normally, the crowd will grow larger and larger — and then with the years will either grow smaller as elders pass on or larger as marriages and babies arrive.
All the cooking becomes too much as age takes energy and makes arthritic joints ache with chopping, lifting, stirring and fixing the house up. The younger folks, hopefully, understand and willingly take on the job making Aunt Marie’s special mashed potatoes, and the men learn to carve the meat just like dad did.
Changes, changes, changes! Not only do the dinners and desserts change, but also the decorations. Think about your first Christmas tree.
Our tree was purchased, and we bought decorations of red silky material I tied gold ribbons on to make a uniform and colorful presentation. As we had children, the cute decorations they made out of toilet paper rolls and macaroni became treasures with pride of place on the tree. As they became older, photos in handmade colored, glued and glitter frames were added. As they married, more professional photo ornaments were hung. With grandbabies, the cycle began again.
Gifts, too, changed as we grew older, from jewelry to heating pads! Things change; we have to learn to accept it and enjoy each special year and what it holds.
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” (Read more at Ecclesiastes 3:1-5, going to 10.)
I just found out I have very rare lung nodules that are cancerous, but slow growing and not aggressive. I’ll have more tests and consultations, but there is a treatment that may work that will stop the growth.
This year, though, at Christmas I am here.
Pray for me? Join me!
I choose to laugh and dance!
