The Absent Uncle: And now to the Christmas present ...

Last week’s column was about the traditions surrounding the Christmases of my youth. This week I want to write about getting ready for Christmas – this year.

Over the years, Christmas traditions have been developed, have grown, had some changes, some constants – probably similar to any family that have children – they grow up – move away – have developed traditions of their own – which affects your own traditions. After all – families need to adapt. 

Just like from my parent’s home, we have boxes (and boxes, and more boxes) of Christmas decorations. My wife is a very sentimental person and those decorations mean so much to her. They remind her of important events, of special people, and how much she enjoys the holiday season.

It occurred to me, as we sorted what boxes we would look through, which not, that our tradition has so evolved. No more big tree; other smaller-themed trees, and overall the scaling down. But some traditions cannot go away.

From my sister Betty – 50-plus years ago, she gave me a ceramic tree she had painted and made – just for me! It comes out lovingly every Christmas. My wife has a number of nativity scenes she has collected over the years. They just seem more meaningful every year, and the remembrances of where and who were involved in getting/finding them makes them more special.

And of course, the true meaning of Christmas. It is not the decorations, not the Hallmark cards – it is the feeling, of love, caring, and family. But those boxes do get you into the mood.

Merry Christmas to all from the Absent Uncle.