My heart is filled with joy! My family’s 2023 Christmas celebration is in the books, and a wonderful time was had by all! I’m happy to report that my perspective of “loving intentionally” was well maintained. Now does that mean that there were no cookie decorating mishaps, white elephant kerfuffles, or “where is everyone going to sleep” queries? Of course not! Our final tally was 33 peeps—how could these possibly be avoided? The upside of this year’s chaotic, exhilarating, absolutely, joyous celebration was a handful of happy revelations as yet another generation takes part in the festivities. Do we plan to host Family Christmas 2024, you may ask? A rousing “YOU BETCHA”, is our answer! Why, it’s only ten days out, and we’re already excitedly planning for next year!
Now that a third generation is able to partake in the fun, we’ve come full circle with the “littles”, now ranging in age from 4 years all the way down to 2 months. These youngsters naturally bring noise and messiness with them wherever they go (whether that means licking utensils mid cookie decorating or wreaking havoc on the toy bin), but we have the “middles” who now step up to help. Our dear sixteen-year-old nephew initiated (along with the help of several other nieces & nephews) a surprise toy clean-up in the basement that made our post-event efforts so much easier!
When it was time for the main meal that’s set in the middle of this three-day extravaganza, there were many dishes to be warmed (we’re talking a full microwave, oven, and toaster ALL at once), and lots of coordination to be had. My dear sister-in-law (truly my sister) stepped in and took control of managing all the prep so that I was able to enjoy our time together without freaking out. Yet another gift of selflessness allowing me to more fully experience the joy of this special time with family!
During our second night in, I quietly stated, “I’m just too tired to clean this up (referring to our dessert and beverages). I’ll worry about it in the morning after church, choir and the Sunday morning food prep.” My beloved mother-in-law (and dear friend who’s just shy of her 86th birthday) stepped in and said that she would take care of everything because she just “couldn’t stand to let me deal with this mess in the morning.” Let me tell you, my Sunday morning felt truly blessed thanks to Mom’s hard work, everyone who chipped in to help, and a willing coffee fairy who made sure we all stayed caffeinated. I was again struck by the fact that someone’s sacrifice allowed me to experience joy, a poignant reminder for the reasons we host this party for others in the first place!
One of the biggest struggles at Christmas 2023 was deciding where to put everyone when it was finally time for bed. We’re a late-night game-playing clan, so we were quite tired when it was finally time to figure out sleeping arrangements. In past years, we had carpeted floors from top to bottom, but this year the main floor is hardwood. My husband and I had concocted a rudimentary sleeping floor plan weeks in advance, but it naturally fell apart once we tried to put it into effect at 2am. Enter two of the “middles” (our twenty four year old daughter and nephew—partners in crime since infancy) who swooped into to save the day… or should I say night! They approached the logistical puzzle with a youthful verve, patience and logic, thus landing on the perfect solution for everyone at our “inn.” A good night’s sleep was therefore had by all (except for maybe the two teens on the leaky air mattress, sorry boys), and the following day was so much better because of their timely help!
I’m sure you’re starting to see the trend here. All of this intergenerational collaboration is honestly not something I had previously considered and yet, THIS is what our wonderful annual event is all about; THIS is why I’ve already started planning for next year’s party only a week after our time together has concluded; THIS is why, Lord willing, Family Christmas 2024 will include more family. With two more newly-announced babies announced on their way, an additional nephew with a Christmas engagement recently announced, and several beloved family members who couldn’t make it this year, I’m looking forward to even more joy, Joy, JOY!
Truth be told, our precious & joyful annual celebration helps remind me to view life through an all-encompassing perspective of LOVE—not only our love for each other, but HIS love for us.
I’m wishing you all a spectacular and love-filled New Year!!!
MJ Wallace 