After much anticipation, Christmas arrived. Yesterday I kept myself busy cooking and baking and delivering goodies. I made my mom’s Christmas bread which she made every year. This year I was on my own. I asked her for help particularly to determine if the dough was the right consistency. It did turn out a little different, but was still delicious. I visited my mom’s piano friend and we exchanged bread for peppermint roll dessert which has been a tradition for years. It was wonderful to see her and a joy to exchange goodies. At night I went to church with my son. For the past few years, it has been just the 2 of us for Christmas Mass, so it kind of felt like tradition. We got there early enough to hear extra music. Before and during the celebration, I believe we went through every traditional Christmas song and I loved it. This morning, my other son texted me early to let me know that he, his wife, and the kids were up as I was going to join them. As I headed over there, the sun was just coming up and the sky was glowing pink, which then reflected on the mountains. As I was taking in the view, a song on the radio was playing a boisterous “Hallelujah”. It was a beautiful way to start the day. When I arrived at my son’s, everyone opened family and Santa gifts. There was plenty of joy and laughter between the 6 of us and the 2 dogs. My granddaughter was so excited to receive an electronic piano keyboard. I was happy to take some time with her to show her some basic techniques as she pulled up easy tutorial songs on her iPad. For breakfast I shared some Christmas bread and deviled eggs that I made, which was added to the quiche and cinnamon rolls they had. A little later we Zoomed with my family and opened the family secret Santa gifts. It was a tradition that was started many years ago. My dad was the first coordinator of the exchange and did so for many years.  This year, one sister and her husband was in Florida, one in Texas visiting her son and his wife, one brother was in Idaho by himself with COVID, and the other was in his winter digs in Arizona making a pie for the community Christmas dinner. It was strange to be all scattered. But I was glad we were able to be connected in some way. In the afternoon, we headed over to my other son’s house where he and his fiancee hosted dinner. They were so happy to provide the majority of the meal, including a smoked ham that was amazing. Then there was more joy and laughter exchanging more gifts. For dessert we had my daughter in law’s mint cheesecake, which she makes every year. While it was a different Christmas, there were many traditions included that helped me feel my parents’ spirit were still part of the celebration, even though there were plenty of moments when I missed their physical presence. I was full of mixed emotions. But more than any, I was grateful for the family I have been blessed with and the love we share – those I can be with physically and those I can connect with spiritually.

I Found God today in the blessing of family during a different kind of Christmas.