What follows is a reprisal of a Christmas blog originally published a few years ago, edited for 2021.
Especially for oldest daughters, I’ve added –with a smile–a picture of the front of my own Christmas apron.
Long ago in a city known as Kansas,
three women-friends surrounded by little boychilds and girlchilds
ever so wisely decided to gift each other with hand-made presents.
And so was born to them that day a tradition.
Remembering, reminding, rejoicing.
One friend copied Emily Dickinson’s poem
reminding all that stopping just one heart from breaking or easing just one life the aching meant life would not be lived in vain.
A second friend for years created ornaments remembering a family event of the just-past year.
Giddyupp’ing through time-woods echoing with jingling joy and sudden sorrows to grandmothers’ houses the numerous treasures traveled. From Missouri to Minnesota, New York to Colorado, Texas to the great beyond. By mail and by memory.
To be placed
once again on kitchen shelves or added to annual greenery.
To remember the first-ever family Christmas.
To remind us Who was born.
And to rejoice that love is simply divine.
Wishing you the wonders of faith family and friendship, a joyous Christmas day, and peace on earth to all peoples of good will.
