The phrase “it takes a village” was born in the early 90’s in reference to raising a family. While it does take a lot of help to raise children, I’m going to take the phrase in a different direction.
The village I’m talking about is a Christmas village. Years ago, my husband’s aunt gave me a Christmas village for my birthday (December 1st). With a December birthday, I get a lot of Christmas decorations as birthday gifts. The Christmas village quickly became one of my most treasured gifts.
Christmastime is my favorite time of the year. December 2014 was my favorite Christmas. I had major surgery January 2015. Between January and April of 2015, I was in the hospital three times for two major surgeries and an infection, plus, a couple more outpatient surgeries. With all of that looming in the new year, you would think it would be a depressing month, but it was an amazing Christmas! I was very intentional with my time . . . time spent with family and friends.
My children were 16 and 9, at the time. They helped more with Christmas decorating that year than years past. Matt took over the job of putting out the Christmas village. It has been his job since then.
So, each year when the big box comes out of the closet, I put it aside for Matt. Many thoughts run through my mind when I look at the village displayed in my family room. I’m glad that job has been passed on. I’m also sad and in awe that my teenage son had to takeover part of the decorating duties for his mom.
Reflection: It takes a village for us to realize we can’t do it all. What’s one thing you can let go of? What can you delegate to someone else, this Christmas?
Hidden in Plain Sight 
About 1982 my mother gave me my first microwave. It came with a recipe for peanut brittle and I have made it every year since. For the last couple of years, I have become a little concerned about taking the hot mixture out of the microwave. Recently, I have lost about an inch and a half in height, so it has become even more of a concern. So this year, I have asked my son, your husband, to assist. Someone needs to know how to make it anyway, so when I can no longer make it, the tradition won’t be lost.
Thank you, for your willingness to bring your family to our house to help with this project. We can make some new memories!
LikeLiked by 1 person
New memories and old traditions.
LikeLike