Christmas treats, victories, and memories (7 Quick Takes)

~1~

We’ve reached the point in our Christmas break where I am not entirely sure what day of the week it is. What I do know is that we are still in the midst of our Christmas celebrations.

We weren’t able to see all the family we wanted to when we wanted to because of various illnesses, but Christmas 2022 worked out better for getting together with extended family than any other holiday since 2019, so we’ll call that a win. We’ve made some great memories so far this Christmas season.

~2~

Christmas arrived, and I wasn’t really ready. We never fully decorated the tree or took out all the decorations. But you know what? It was beautiful—and is beautiful. I have absolutely no complaints. The tree is lit, and the house is cozy. We are together.

When the Christmas magic disappears a bit as the children get older, the pressure lessens, too. Those Christmases of the past were wonderful, but these are also so special. Christmas morning is a little quieter and calmer, and I really love it.

I enjoy the gift-giving and gift-opening and just the time together. Christ is born! What a gift. So many, many gifts.

I hope your Christmas was and is wonderful, too.

~3~

It wouldn’t be Christmas 2022 if we weren’t dodging and navigating a variety of illnesses. I spent one morning running to five different pharmacies seven times to get two prescriptions filled. Can 2023 be the year when there isn’t a shortage of children’s antibiotics? I don’t understand the reasons for the shortage. I do think, though, that this type of shortage is unacceptable.

I’ll take a toilet paper shortage over this any day.

For one of the medications, I tried two grocery store pharmacies and two mom-and-pop pharmacies before stopping at a chain pharmacy—which my pediatrician didn’t think would have it—and found they had just enough on hand for my child.

~4~

Not all the cousins who planned to come to town were able to make the trip, but we saw six of our out-of-town cousins and our five in-town cousins, so we can’t complain. Our boys had the best time playing board games and tossing a football around a very cold yard.

I’m one of six siblings, and I saw all but one brother this Christmas season. I feel so fortunate that we could be together—and I’m waiting not-so-patiently to meet my youngest nephew, who was born in March. I am hoping to see him before he turns 1.

~5~

On one of the final days leading up to Christmas, I ran to the store to get a few gifts for the children in my life.

I was texting my sister Treasa to ask for advice, and she was texting back. Minutes later, she popped up next to me in line. She had been going to another store nearby and decided to surprise me.

The only thing better than a sister shopping outing you plan is a surprise sister shopping trip.

~6~

When I called my mother on Christmas Eve, I asked her if I could bring anything for dinner. She said she didn’t need anything.

“What are we having for dessert?” I asked.

“I made two pumpkin pies,” she said, “oh, and a birthday cake for Jesus.”

“Wait…no cookies?” I asked. “We have to have cookies!”

So, I made some chocolate chip and sugar cookies to bring along.

I am not sure why I thought that was a critical need, but everything got eaten.

~7~

Have you chosen a Word of the Year and Saint of the Year for 2023? I always look forward to having Jen Fulwiler’s generators choose them for me.

My saint is St. Raymond Nonnatus, who was born via c-section after his mother died. His patronage is for expectant mothers, Christian family life, against the falsely accused, and for the unborn. At one point his lips were closed with a padlock to keep him from preaching for Christ. It’s not completely obvious to me why he is my saint for the year, but I am happy to make his acquaintance.

My word is Persevere. I was hoping for Joy or Rest or Hope, so I was initially a little disappointed. But I have decided there is something encouraging about Persevere. Maybe I’m on the right path.

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