A Grand Day

Merry Christmas!  Tawei + Deedee sure had a grand day.  At first Tawei was afraid of some of the cars, but soon he got acquainted with them.  Clary + I played with them all afternoon.  Then we had our own dinner - not much but we did have pineapple + chicken + stuffing.  Clary opened his bottle of gin and it was really smooth.  It was grand and we sang all the Christmas carols in all the books we could find.  -  Annette, December 1943

Annette's entry reminds me of how the simplest things can be the best things.  From her words, you would never know she was living in a war zone.  You would never know that the presents they gave the kids were discovered in the attic of their new house, left behind by a previous missionary family.  Tawei was afraid of the cars, because, in his young 2-year-old life, he had seen very few cars!  You would never know that Clary had figured out how to make his own gin (as well as beer), because it was too difficult to get alcohol.

All you know is that they were happy.  They played and ate and sang carols and loved each other.  That's all they needed. 

Deep down, we are more similar than we are different.  It's not about elaborate celebrations or complicated dinner menus.  Basically, it just comes down to sharing and connecting with one another.  So this year, whether fancy or simple, I wish you a peaceful, joyous holiday.  

Christmas Day I Was Mad And Worried

Christmas day I was mad and worried all day.  We felt so poor could not give each other the least presents.  - Frances, December 1891

As the school year and work projects wind down, I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Now, on my first full day off, I planned to finish shopping for presents, start prepping for holiday parties, and cook/bake up a storm.  As with years past, I seem to have forgotten that other people had the same idea!  Roads are clogged, parking lots are a nightmare, and all the store-brand egg nog supplies are long gone.  

Frances had a lot on her mind when she wrote this brief entry.  They were considering moving to a new town, and unsure of their finances.  Even in the late 1800s, Christmas came with big expectations.  Sometimes, we can't afford gifts.  Sometimes, we are weighing a major life decision.  Sometimes, we are just anxious about the future.  

During this hectic time of year, I hope you can take a moment to breathe.  Remember what is important to you - be it family, travel, solitude, faith, or anything else.  It's not about the presents.  It's about being true to yourself.