Once a Year We Gather

Today the extended clan gathered for our annual Christmas party.  A weird event this gathering.  With the exception of my own children, I only see these people once a year, at Christmas.  Aunts, Uncles, Cousins…I know their names, I know their faces, but I can’t say I know them.  It wasn’t always this way.  We used to be a more tightly woven group.  We got together for more holidays than just Christmas, had the occasional dinner together throughout the year, sent cards and letters, talked on the phone…but then our matriarch passed away and with her, our energy to stretch out beyond our immediate families and friends.

The fun has gone out of this party which leaves me two choices.  Stop going, or attempt to pump the fun back into it.