(Pretend it's still Christmas Eve. :] )
Today I am an only child. Today I am an only cousin. I’m in
no concerts this year, no services, no big family gatherings, and presents won’t
be opened this evening.
My biggest decision of the day was whether to watch Spy Kids
or stay festive with The Santa Clause and recite every line.
Traditions shift. A few years ago I feel like this would
have massively thrown me off. But that’s what you get for being the youngest by
far, right?
I remember the first year traditions started to change. I
was 13, in 8th grade, and we spent Christmas in China. China was our
present, so there weren’t really any gifts to open, Christmas Eve was in an
apartment, and Christmas Day was with thousands cramped in one of the only
legal churches. The service came with a two hour Chinese sermon and Santa on
the altar.
From there, traditions just… shifted. Presents moved from Christmas
Eve to Christmas Day. Siblings had
their spouse’s families to attend and we didn’t always leave for Memphis the
week after.
Then, two years ago were in Memphis for my grandpa’s
funeral. Christmas Eve was in an assisted living chapel and Christmas Day was
spent in an airport. I think
people watching in airports on Christmas Day is the most interesting type of
people watching I have ever encountered.
But. This isn’t meant to be a sad post. It’s a… hmm… growing
up sure is a weird thing post.
Anyway, there are still peanut butter balls in the
refrigerator, so all is well.
How have your traditions changed since you were a kid? Have
they?
Merry Christmas, dears. :]
