Christmas Day and Family and the Yuletide

I’m in Red Deer, Alberta visiting at my son’s home. He is our youngest and is father to our three youngest grandchildren. We arrived yesterday afternoon, much to the joy of the grandchildren while our son was still at work. It was time for games and playtime.

When I woke this morning around six in the morning, I didn’t waste time putting on the coffee as there wasn’t going to be much time before everyone woke up to see what was under the tree. Getting up early also meant a rare moment for being clothing free.

For me, Christmas in Red Deer with our youngest grandchildren was a trip into the past when our children were young and excited for Christmas morning. Last year we spent the day alone as the weather wasn’t conducive to our children travelling to our home. The year before we spent Christmas in South America. This made the day more precious to us.

Until about four years ago, Christmas was always at our home with only a few exceptions such as when we were both teaching in China. Now, it is getting more and more unlikely that we will host Christmas in our home. It seems that with our family, it is getting more and more difficult to make it happen because of shift work for our children, and now for our two eldest grandchildren. Life changes. We are getting older and are more willing to do the travelling. We couldn’t all get together at the same time, but we have been able to make the arrangements to ensure that all eight grandchildren and the partners of those grandchildren who are now young adults.

I am blessed with my life, my children, my grandchildren, and the woman who has somehow managed to survive the hard years when I was suffering mentally.

Curiously, it seems we are closer than ever, as hard as it is to imagine that even being possible. Now, all I have to do is to stay out of trouble, keep my clothes on when appropriate when others who are not naturists, are present, especially in their homes, and stay healthy enough to enjoy living.

Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Feliz Navidad, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Yuletide . For me, it is the Yuletide more than Christmas, that has meaning. From the approach to the winter solstice to just after the birth of a New Year, I treasure the lights in the darkness, especially the light of family connection. I wish the connection of family and/or friends in your life during yuletide. Be the light in their lives.