Christmas Eve and Boxing Day Evening

On Christmas Eve and on Boxing Day evening, we were treated to wonderful meals.  And to time well passed with much loved family.

Christmas Eve, we spent a few hours over bowls of chilli, Christmas baking, wine and conversation.  It is one of the few times a year when most of my family is together in one place, as my sister and her husband open their home every Christmas Eve.

We share a glass or two of wine, reminisce about the year past, get to know newcomers to the family, share laughter over stories of past Christmases, and talk about what we have in common as a family.  It is a time for feeling good about where we come from and who we are.  For cherishing family and the love that hold us together.

On Boxing Day, we went to visit my husband’s son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.  We spent a few hours over hot turkey sandwiches (everyone’s favourite post Christmas meal), Christmas desserts and Caesars or gingerbread tea.  We had time to be with our grandchildren, as they played with the games they had opened the day before. 

We sat and talked in front of their beautiful tree, shared our lives and where we are right now.  We ate and enjoyed the decadence of gravy and cheese on everything, while discussing the need for restraint after Christmas, laughing about the dichotomy between the conversation and the meal. 

We had a great time just sitting and talking with no agenda and no place, we had to be, nor anything, we had to do.  Such luxury after so much busyness.  And such a delight to be with a son and daughter-in-law we love.

I took my camera on both occasions.  On Christmas Eve, I captured photos, soon stopped as I was interfering with comfort levels of people trying to visit.  On Boxing Day, I didn’t even get the camera out, as it seemed quieter and more pleasant not to impose my need for photos on others.

Sometimes, it is better just to BE with others and to listen, share laughter and talk without interjecting photo taking. 

Thank you for Christmas Eve.  Thank you for Boxing Day evening.  We enjoyed your company and the time with each of you.