A Letter to My Family on Christmas Eve Eve

Dear Family I love oh so much,

I think I under-estimated how hard it would be for me not to be with you on Christmas.  No matter where in the world I’ve spent Christmas, from Venezuela to Spain to Chicago, it’s always been with you, which means I’ve been ridiculously blessed because I love you three more than I can say.  I’ve been talking about you more than usual which must mean I miss you.  Good thing my friends are good to me—we rave about our little brothers together, swap funny Dad stories and play Whoonu from the perspective of what our moms would like.  ;)  It’s a good family here, but I’ll sure miss my 1^st, best and real family.

But instead of making this all sad (as mom’s crying…did I call it? ;)) I thought I’d lighten the mood, as is usually my job, and remember some of my favorite traditions and memories with you all….

*watching White Christmas every Christmas Eve while drinking Hot Chocolate* mom wrapping presents after said movie because life had gotten so busy and she still wasn’t done * reading Luke 2 with Dad * Beer soup on Christmas Day * root beer at the bottom of every stocking * Lassie-DJ’s favorite Christmas book* A Small Miracle—the book that made us all cry.  Every. Time. * Christmas Eve Eve and Frau Hagglemeyer * that Santa ornament I got from that boy in 1^st grade * “Evening in December” (Mom’s fave) vs “Eaglesong Christmas” (my fave) and debating which one to listen to while decorating the house* DJ waking me up early to open stockings…until we were too lazy and old and mom woke us up * Giving Dad a coupon, promising to not make fun of his bald spot for 1 year.  I honored it for exactly that long. ;) * DJ and I singing “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”…badly. * Dad always asking for a agenda book for Christmas and us freaking out when he didn’t want one anymore and we didn’t know what else to get him * turning off the lights and looking at the tree as we cuddled on the couch and listened to Josh Groban * when I found out that mom was going to see me perform in Much Ado About Nothing * that time (every time) we tried to wrap our presents beyond recognition * when I didn’t make it home until Christmas Eve, making the remaining time that much more special * ice-skating with Grandpa on Christmas Day * getting an American Girl Doll* Singing Christmas carols with Dad on the piano * Apple and house ornaments….and how we have a million of them.  *mom inviting/visiting people for Christmas and asking, “Can you give up a few hours to show love to someone as a gift to Jesus on his birthday?”  Unfair question, mom, but I’m sure glad for all grateful for all you taught me. J *

I love you all!  It won’t be the same without you, but I’m just grateful for the past and future.  Merry Christmas!  He is risen…born…you know.  ;)  Love!

Stephanie