Family Christmas

As fast as it came.

It's gone.

But even though I fought against it,

Christmas was coming no matter what.

Minimizing the decorations didn't kill us...

or keep it away

My son decorated the little outdoor tree I used instead

Even though he loudly stressed
 "it's too puny to be a Christmas tree"

But it sure made the little gifts beneath it look like alot.

We gathered at my Mama's for the traditional tamale making

It's not about the tamales

It's the story-telling and laughter

Gathered around that masa bowl

It's seeing the little ones grow enough to hold that spoon

Eventually bringing little ones of their own

So that perhaps one day they'll be gathered around that masa bowl too

IF we don't let the tradition die

Yesterday we gathered with my 'new' Polish family

Where they keep the traditions alive

By sharing the Oplatek, or Christmas wafer

We each receive a piece

Then walk around breaking a little piece off each wafer

As you hug and kiss and wish each other well

(My favorite besides the food)

But my new favorite is seeing the creations. The decorations, the meals and desserts. The crafts and sharing of generous spirit. My Mama made the Nativity for me last year. She was thrilled when my nephew asked for some of the clay to try it out. He then created a circus for his Mom and this Christmas gave my Mama the crucifix. He's always had talent. And like so many of us, chose to turn his back on it. Can I say how thrilled I am to see that he has reconnected to that creativity. By the way, you should see his drawings. I hope he keeps at it.