Our Christmas was wonderful as always, but it was full of unexpected sickness. Joey was still recovering, Abby seemed to be on the mend and then took a turn for the worst. Then it hit Sammie on Christmas Day. Jackie and Jerry came too, and they both were sick when they came. Mike and Erna joined us and were completely healthy, but came down with it too a few days after they left. It was the flu and it was so very not fun. Olivia and I managed to not get it, although she did end up with pink eye because Grandpa brought it with him.
I have to admit I was very stressed. I was trying to stay healthy, take care of the sick people, and trying to keep things cleaned up so that the healthy people wouldn't get sick. I was feeling very cramped, so cramped that I was envisioning adding onto my house to have more space. I think I was about ready to call a contractor.
I loved being with everyone in spite of being sick. Joey made a delicious lasagna dinner for Christmas day and I made our very favorite spinach artichoke dip to much on Christmas Eve. These little traditions make the holidays memorable.
I remember laying out by the Christmas tree after everyone had gone to bed and I just sunk into the silence and peace. The tree looked so pretty, and the presents so sparkly, and I was reminded of the simple reason we celebrate Christmas. I knew my family was going to be fine, we just had to get through this. I was grateful that I had felt pretty well most of the month and that I was able to accomplish so much.
Olivia got a lapdesk to draw on and to do her homework in her bedroom, a felt letter board to put up quotes on her wall because she loves quotes and words, a book to read, and some cute clothes.
Sammie got a beanbag chair that looks like a dog, a book to read, a sewing basket full of all of the things needed to sew, and a comfy sporty outfit.
Abby got a big bean bag chair that looks like a cat, some books, a comfy sporty outfit, and a doll bed.
Their grandparents brought wonderful gifts as well and know just what they love.
We also have an elderly neighbor and his wife passed away just a few months ago. This was his first Christmas without her. He has been so sad. I wanted to have my family help someone this Christmas and my neighbor kept coming to mind. We don't know him that well, but he has always been very friendly and the neighbors on the other side of his house know him a little too. We worked things out with them and together we bought a couple of gifts and went in the pouring down rain a couple of days before Christmas and knocked on our neighbor's door. He was very touched by the gifts and the songs we sang. He misses his wife so much and he doesn't have any family. It was such a small gesture really, but I could feel the sweet feeling of the spirit as we brought a little bit of Christmas cheer to our neighbor.
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