Merry Christmas from the Frozen North

Hello Friends. I've been missing in action for quite some time now

but my family and I are dealing with some serious and sad issues in my family. My Mom recently broke her hip; and although that's on the mend, with her age (86) and her poor overall health, she has NOT recovered well.  She's blind, has diabetes, kidney problems, a heart condition, high blood pressure and was diagnosed this summer with mild Parkinson's. However, with her heart condition, there was not a lot that could be given to her to control the Parkinson's. And now with the trauma of the hip injury and anesthetic, etc., she's fallen into a slow, steady decline where she doesn't really know where she is and what's happening. So far though, she does still recognize our voices most days and is aware of what health issues she has. It's been a very difficult month. And it's certainly not the "last Xmas together" that any of us envisioned when I moved home.

However, I have not given up on Christmas. My tree is up, apt is decorated, gifts are wrapped, and thanks to my darling soon-to-be 3 year old grandson, Christmas will be celebrated. I'm hoping to bake cookies with him this weekend because I'm a firm believer that children should roll out their own cookie dough and handle it until it's grey and gross at which point they eat it! It's a tradition, right?

As a Christian, I don't get into the back-and-forth debate about how to address people during the holiday season. And I certainly don't walk around malls or streets demanding that parents tell their children the "truth" about Santa and how this is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. I believe we all need to make our own decisions on what this season is all about: it's between you and your God.

And just this morning, I came across this post The War on Christmas which sums things up very nicely, I think, and gives one cause to think.

However you celebrate, whatever you say, I hope your home is filled with good smells and good wishes and love, love, love.