Everyone looks forward to holidays. Going home to see family, vacations, lots of great food and parties..the list could go on. Most people have christmas memories from their childhood. Most of them involve playing around with their siblings and causing trouble. Memories can even consist of meaningless situations..but it's who you're with that makes the memory beautiful :) Out of all the blessings God has given me..unfortunately this is just one that he did not give me: a big family.
I love my parents dearly and I am so very grateful for our little family, so don't misunderstand. I just miss having several brothers and sisters. I have the best sister in the WORLD..but unfortunately we didn't grow up together and now we live hours apart. She now has her own family. I'm sad that we could never share those memories.
Holidays are always very quiet for me. Good quality time with my parents...but after a while you just run out of things to do/talk about. I get myself down a lot when I see my friends spending a lot of time with their siblings and I don't have that to go home to. This is why I want a big family after I get married. I want my kids to form those lasting memories and relationships. I want my family to be loud and crazy with kids running around screaming. Life is a mess anyways so why not jump into it? :)
So I don't have that big ideal family...but I've learned to love and appreciate what I have been given. Wonderful parents who love me unconditionally and a sister who is always there for me. I have turned this christmas into a big thanksgiving for the wonderful family and "family-like" friends that God has put into my life. I am really a lucky girl :)
In the meantime I'll just wait. Hopefully I get my big crazy family :)
So I love to hear what families do for the christmas holidays. What is your favorite family tradition?
Oh Pilar, I can tell you that I feel the same way. Being an only child makes Christmas very lonely for my family. I think my dad and I have watched 2 movies a day just because there's not much to do. I think 6 children will do it for me haha.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
-Annie
You know my big crazy family (we are about 30 on each side). These past few years we've started a new tradition on my mom's side. Instead of the traditional fancy Christmas Eve dinner, we do a White Trash Christmas! Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, rolls, peas, salad, desserts.. and everyone brings a case of their favorite beer to share... all to be topped with everyone wearing their pajamas instead of fancy clothes! (We do the traditional Christmas celebrating on Christmas day).
ReplyDeleteLove you Pilar and I hope to be seeing you soon. Merry Christmas!
-Jennifer
I do have two brothers and one sister and we all live in Texas. But my dad died in 1980, and we were all married and had our families, so my mother just took turns spending Christmas with one of us and we got out of the habit of being together. I still go to my (only) aunt's house on Christmas Eve to see my (only) cousins, but over the years I have grown closer to my church/school family at STE. Last night, after going to my aunt's, we stopped by to see two of my former students ('89 and '91) at their mom's; it was great to see the husbands and fathers that they have become. Then we stopped by the Bencze clan's - talk about crazy - six little boys under four (but Christina, who's eight, keeps them all in line). Mme. Bencze is one of my best friends - we have known each other since 1964! and have taken two trips to France and three trips to Scotland together. We always spend New Year's Eve with the MacPhee clan at the Krughs - hope to see you there! Merry Christmas, Pilar! B.Stanley
ReplyDeleteEven though we have a big family, we don't really do a lot for Christmas. We celebrate with my dad's side on Christmas day and my mom's side on Sunday either before or after Christmas. The best part is having a day to relax a little though. :)
ReplyDeleteI love our nice little family. As you know, I had a sister and still have a brother and as you also know this does not always make a better family. Your Mom had five brothers and sisters and they apparently got along fine. Regardless, you do have a very loving sister and brother-in-law and three very beautiful nephews and nieces who adore the very ground that you walk on. You do understand the importance of making the most of what you have and for that I am very grateful. Your Mom and I love you very much and I appreciate you acknowledging that fact. Stay sweet.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Daddy
Hi Pilar! I ready your blog about Family and Holidays and I can totally relate! I grew up an only child also. Also, my mother passed away when I was 9. All this said...holidays can be a little difficult. I have always had a strong relationship with my dad, but I will have to say that these hard times have brought us even closer. Even though I have grandmothers, aunts, uncles and cousins that all live close, I really cherish the time around the holidays when just Rob, my dad, and I have our own little celebration. God has blessed me with Rob and his HUGE family! He is the youngest of 5 brothers and sisters. Now I get the best of both worlds. I believe there are advantages of having a small family and a large family. Just cherish all of the attention you get from your parents. You will really appreciate it as you get older. Remember the "ideal family" is what you make of it. Good luck in all of you endeavors. You have a lot to look forward to!!! Lesley
ReplyDeleteThe people who I spent my Christmas's with aren't around any more. Be thankful you have your parents around to give you attention. I struggle through the holidays because I want my kids to have good memories of things we did during the holidays, but the holidays make me a little sad at times. Be thankful for what/who you have in your life. This is something I am trying to teach myself, also! Love you!
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