“May today there be peace within. May your trust be that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you use the gifts that you have received and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and every one of us.”
– Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Missing our families and longing for holiday nostalgia, Scott endeavored to preserve the season’s rituals by organizing an Airbnb in West Palm Beach, FL. This way, we could observe the Christmas holiday before the next weather window opened for crossing to the Bahamas.
Scott purchased pointsets, found a little tree, and tapped into Rodney Hopkinson’s holiday meal playbook. We also received a care package from our children. Walla, a miniature tree to decorate—what a delightful surprise!!! The rituals of music, church, gatherings, holiday lights, movies, games, decorating a tree, cookies, presents, and, of course, the Christmas Tree, are all part of celebrating the season. With our Airbnb looking quite festive, the holiday spirit found us.
On Christmas morning, we opened the presents the kids sent: a sailboat ornament, whistle pig glasses, teas, candles, sunburn cream, Christmas crackers, and messages of love and support. We chatted, texted, and facetimed with all, and it filled our hearts with joy to connect with them and see them surrounded by their families, friends, and pets.
Did we mention the pets? Toni, Shannon, and Dave’s black lab had a beard and a Santa Claus hat. Ari and Natalie Facetimed with Kilo, Jax, and Dewey, engaged in endless play in the background. Mandy, with Franny and Mabel, posed by the tree. Pictures of Harper from Chris and Maura. The gifts received this season remind us of the love we share and the continuance of rituals that are the esprit de corps that connect us.
Today’s dinner will include a kale salad, roasted prime rib, twice-baked potatoes, green beans, and a bottle of champagne that our kids cleverly delivered to us. The cherished traditions of Christmas, taught to us by our parents, enveloped us in warmth, bridging the distance we felt from our family and those who are no longer with us. As we look forward to the New Year, we are excited about the possibility of traveling to West End, Grand Bahama, on New Year’s Eve—a journey that we eagerly anticipate!
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