Once a Year We Gather
December 18, 2011 at 9:03 am 3 comments
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.
1.
Kay Dennison | December 18, 2011 at 9:57 am
I know what you mean — I’m just not comfortable with things like that anymore. I was invited to a party tonight by people who don’t return my calls. I didn’t go because of that. I don’t only exist at Christmas.
I’m in Ohio, too and yeah, we got a bit of snow, too. Where are you?
2.
Dave | December 18, 2011 at 2:34 pm
It was the same in our family the Grand mother was the centre, and it was at her house where the family met up. Maybe then families were more nuclear and less spread around than they are today. Maybe your family is looking for a central point……..I think there’s an opening for you there Kat. !!
3.
guyana gyal | December 22, 2011 at 5:33 pm
Dave has a point there…that maybe now, families are more scattered, far from each other.
It’s happened with my relatives too. Everyone’s far and away. The key is to stay close to the ones you love, and the kind ones, the ones with good hearts, even if you don’t see them much.