The Absent Uncle: A Christmas reflection

The past couple of weeks I have been going over in my mind what to write for the week of the Christmas issue. Been over past notes I have written and keep coming up dry.

Last week, our fabulous intrepid editor revisited her Christmas celebration evolution and it suddenly struck me that we all are very aware of “the reason for the season” and respect its origin, but that each of us have a personal history that is so much of the person we have been, are, and will be in the future.

Sherrill and I are going through one of those transitions this Christmas and as we unpack, display, and admire those beautiful sentimental decorations that we have had for years and years, we are very aware that for the first time our son will not be waking us up at sunrise (or before)  to “get up”, or being a growing teenager excited to participate in the traditions we started together, or the mature person who shared our joy for the season and appreciated the comfort that just being together brought us. It was great and unforgettable.

So, after 33 years this will be the first for us. Time and distance (oh yes, finances play a part as well) will separate us this Christmas season. We certainly will have contact, probably something similar to the “Google Meet” video session we had at Thanksgiving.

But you know – after the call or video session is over – we will have started a new chapter, a new way to celebrate the season. An evolution forward. The past 33 Christmases will be part of the memory, part of who we are, and part of what we carry forward in the future.

The “reason for the season” never changes, our celebrations evolve as they must, and most thankfully the memories stay with us. I am sure that many of you can reflect back on your past Christmases and say the same. It is wonderfully part of life and to be embraced as we grow older.

From down here in the warm Houston area – Merry Christmas to all of you from The Absent Uncle!