The Christmas trees use to be bigger at my mom’s house.
We used to have turkey with all six of her kids together. It was the biggest, loudest celebration you could imagine. Once you added spouses, their kids and any extras, you can imagine how rowdy it got.
We usually had my sister’s newest boyfriend or husband to meet. We dreaded this at the time because she always brought a new guy and lots of drama. Those days were insane, I would gladly bring it back because she is gone now.
My brother used to come, until he decided to end his life through suicide. After that, family just kind of changed. Everyone went their own way. We stopped all of the traditions we used to have. It is amazing how the tragedy of one can destroy the nucleus of a family.
I have new traditions with my own immediate family. I have four children and my husband has two. We have the biggest tree you can imagine. I love to have celebrations with them. Nothing ever gets me back to the same feeling I had before when my whole family got together.
Everyone still says, “It’s just not like it was before at grandma’s house.”
Love and family are what creates a family tradition, and if you lose that, the family tradition can sometimes slip away. Don’t let it.
©2024 Marsha L. Brown
Living Pure 