For me, Christmas is the time for family. Losing family members makes getting through the holiday season difficult, but being with family members who are still with us is an important tradition that helps me ease the pain of loss. Our extended family has always gotten together on Christmas Day at my home--40 to 50 family members gather, and each family brings their favorite dish. What fun we’ve had over the years, enjoying delicious food together.

Because we have elderly family members and family members with compromised immune systems, we decided not to get together this year. It will be quiet, but I will spend it remembering the wonderful Christmases Past and looking forward to future Christmases.

In my quiet home, there is still one tradition that will remain unchanged this year; I will celebrate the birth of Jesus. Merry Christmas to all, and remember the Reason for the Season. God Bless.