The bug was back

December is here, and it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. In the front door, there is a wreath hanging filled with lush red poinsettias that seem almost real. In the living room, a cute pink tree pops in, filled with ornaments glistening in every angle. Yes, our first tree is pink and unapologetically so, always what I have dreamed of. In the dining area, another wreath sits in the middle of the table albeit much more special than the one outside the door. It's an Advent Wreath filled with various evergreen, pine, holly, mistletoe and candles. In our family, we feel that it is the most significant decoration of all. More than a decoration, it's a spiritual symbol that has been part of our family tradition every Christmas time. Beginning on the first Sunday of Advent or first Sunday after Thanksgiving, the family gathers around the table before dinner. We light the wreath, we pray and sing together to remind and prepare ourselves for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ. 

There are boxes stacked in the corner of my room waiting to be wrapped in pretty papers. I know I will have a lovely time wrapping them up one by one, if only I can find the time. I remember happy stories of my Lola Remy when she used to work at the wrapping section of Bloomingdale's. Each item she would delicately and beautifully wrap and in return she would receive generous gratuities from her gracious customers. It's sad that they stopped doing that now in the malls. Anyway, I don't really mind wrapping. It will always be a sweet remembrance of my Lola Remy.

Christmas parties have begun here and there. I gaze in to my calendar and my weekends are all blocked! I have one this weekend and another one on the next. Both are potlucks. I know the oven will make a great companion through the course of this holiday season. 

Food food food. Holidays are always a good excuse to mingle and overeat. Except in Alan's case. Over the weekend, we attended various holiday get-togethers and from one of those, he developed a stomach flu. It's draining and it's painful but it's not as bad as his previous flu back in July. My poor hubby got the bug back. He stayed home on Monday and rested. I also took a day off to take care of him. 

I ponder on today's gospel, Come to me … and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28). Perhaps God wanted us to take a break from the restlessness this holiday brings. Although it wasn't the kind of break we wanted, God knew it was the only way that could allow us to receive his rest and rely in his comfort.. Even for one day. All day, my attention and care was all for and consumed by looking after my husband, holding on to God's mercy and grace and not by the holiday frenzy.

Time runs fast. But I hope December will be kind and will run slowly so I could enjoy and spend time with all the people that truly matters. 

It makes my heart swell with so much gratefulness that Alan and I are together this Christmas. Yesterday, he asked me what I wanted to get for Christmas and I couldn't think of anything else. Maybe the reason is I have already received that one thing on top of my Christmas wish list for the past few years, that he and I would finally reunite. Thank you Santa, thank you Lord!

 

xoxo,

Joselle