Christmas Traditions

         I am blessed to be able to spend Christmas Eve and Day with my parents plus a sister but it just isn't the same when I like a routine. You hear people say a lot that it is a hard time for people because of their loved ones passing or just them being alone whether that way or another way. I didn't get that meaning until this year and it is kind of sad but I'm enjoying every Christmas I have with my parents because I know I won't have forever. I would just like to have all of the family here but again I'm blessed that it was a quite and relaxing Christmas this year. That's one of the good things about it out of the many.
         My sister and I still got to open our 2 presents from our parents and got to get our stockings early. We did that around 11:00 in the morning though when we usually do it around 6:00 in the morning after certain people wake other people up. We see what Santa left for the grandkids of course and get to play that part still so the grandkids don't know. I think the thing I miss the most is having my nieces and nephews around to watch them get excited and open presents. We are having a family get together this weekend it but just not the same. We had a big supper with turkey, corn, stuffing, mashed patatoes, and more but just not the same again for a girl who loves routine.
        It is also hard on me because I'm thinking that I know it is coming when I need to set my own traditions for my own family and that will be hard. Trying to compromise with another person. Yet this Christmas I did think about certain friends and their families and what they were doing today. What their traditions were because I know to some people traditions are everything like to me but I'm not the only one that I'm sure of.
        It is hard not to feel lonely when you are used to having 4 other brothers and sisters around you plus their families. I know they need to do their own thing but as a single it is just hitting me so hard this year for some reason. I just sat and watch TV which was relaxing and the movies that were on were cute ones but it just almost like another day to me.
         There are good things that comes from not having that big of a group. You really get to focus on Jesus and what He did for us on this speical day. More relaxation. Another thing that was fun about today is that we got to cook all the pies and some more candy for when we do get together as a family. I think the big problem is that I'm just growing up to an adult and getting rid of that child feeling when it comes to Christmas is a scary thing to me. Having to become more independant on Christmas and breaking all the traditions we did as kids. Forgetting all the fun times until and if I ever have children of my own. I know I can always pass them on but what if my future husband doesn't agree or what if I never have children or a family of my own to share traditions with.
          I know Christmas is not about traditions. It is all about Jesus coming to save us from the world of sin and the people around you but if those people aren't around you then how are you to celabrate. One way that I thought of today while watching movies is just to go out a give to other people. In a way, I honestly did miss my children at work today and yes I did think about them some. Wondering how they like the toys I picked out for them and so on.
          Christmas as always been my favorite holiday and I think it is, not only because my birthday is near, but also because it is all about giving to other people. It is a selfless holiday and if you don't know me just yet I am a selfless person with a servant's heart. Christmas is just beautiful in so many ways but it is really beautiful when you give yourself away and by that I mean time, gifts, and other things. Maybe that is another reason that I miss having family or people around doing things because I feel like I give to my nieces and nephews without them even knowing. Just my time and joy is all that needs to be given to anyone plus if I can fit a message about Christ in there somewhere it is always a plus.