I can't remember how many years it has been since I've had all my kids together for xmas. If I hazard a guess this may be in 2007 when we were in Japan and all the kids visited.
Yes, alas they are grown up and living all around the world, but it never really feels the same.
Maybe I'm getting nostalgic, however I do remember in fine details the rituals of decorating the Christmas Tree, the shopping for gifts and the family time together.
On Christmas eve we always did the annual custom of leaving out a glass of milk and cookies for "Santa". He (Santa) always just left a few suspect crumbs on his plate.....
Then the Christmas morning, trying not to over indulge before lunch and having lots of fresh cherries. The inevitable family lunch with extended family which is always a treat. Then comes the gifts, the ones that you really like and the other that you say "Oh Thanks".
A trip to the cemetery to visit Granny and Dad, a poignant moment to reflect on past years and
a good moment to wish them both well and do some basic grave sweeping.
Finally dinner with extended family, usually some leftovers. Always enjoyable, less about the food and more about catching up. Before you know it, Christmas is over for another year.
Perhaps next year we can work out a Family Christmas somewhere in the world?
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