Mister Rogers spoke of the holidays this way:

“I like to compare the holiday season with the way a child listens to a favorite story. The pleasure is in the familiar way the story begins, the anticipation of familiar turns it takes, the familiar moments of suspense, and the familiar climax and ending.”

Holidays can be difficult.

In a blended family like ours, holidays seldom look like the cheesy old movies I adore. I accept this, but it’s still easy for me to get to feeling a bit glum this time of year.

After losing my grandmother on Thanksgiving day and knowing from my dad’s serious downturn that it would likely be the last Christmas we’d have with him, I found myself weepy at random times last year — like while shopping at Home Depot, of all places. I don’t know what to expect this year; I’m learning grief is stranger than I’d ever thought.

In addition to having key family members missing from our celebrations, we know it’s not uncommon for adopted kids to have unhappy or traumatic memories associated with the holidays. We’ll be watching to see how Scout and Jem will handle it all since it’s their first year with us.

Also, in answer to those who have asked about Lindsey’s absence from recent posts: she moved out a few months ago and is doing her own thing right now. But she’s an adult and that’s her story to tell, not mine.

Keeping it low key.

I’m trying to create happy memories for us all, but at risk of irking extended family who may not “get” it, we’re keeping holiday celebrations very low key.

One fun thing I have planned is doing Truth in the Tinsel with the kids throughout the month of December. {I finally have kids in the target age range!} Although they can tell you Christmas is more about Jesus than presents, they don’t really understand it. Which is yet another reason to keep gifts low key, too — but I’ll have to convince well-meaning relatives of that! 😉

I need quiet.

Though it’s not likely I’ll get much literal quiet around here, I need to take time to quiet my mind.

From Thanksgiving through the first of the year, I’ll be laying low in regards to internet and social media. I’m scheduling a few posts here on the blog, and I’ll be checking email. But I’ve put effort into taking care of online obligations before now so that I can essentially be offline.

Enjoy the holiday season, friends — the familiar, as well as the new.

Jamie

Wife, mom, J-ma. Introvert who enjoys good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand – unless it’s lost yet again in the microwave. Read more »