Every chapter in our lives has a beauty all its own.
On Thanksgiving Day, after the meal was eaten and the dishes were put away, my mama and I were sitting at the kitchen table, looking at the pictures we had taken. We were appreciating a little break after a day of cooking, when my college student came in and announced that she, her brother and her daddy, were going out to find a Christmas tree and asked if we wanted to go.
I had serious doubts about the success of this venture, but I was game and so was Mama. We piled up into the truck, found some Christmas music and away we went. We did eventually find a tree, but we couldn’t find a tree stand, and no one was willing to brave the Walmart madness. We went to six places from one end of town to the other and eventually gave up and went home.
But, we had fun and we made some new memories.
We did go the next day and picked out a tree and a stand. We have always used an artificial one, so this was an entirely new experience for us. When we began decorating, my daughter decided we needed a new garland, so she and Mama and I, pulled up Pinterest and got some ideas. Then we grabbed my son, and we piled into my car, turned on the Christmas music and went to Hobby Lobby. It was complete Black Friday chaos, which I usually avoid at all costs,but we got in and out without a scratch and a couple of rolls of ribbon.
Once again, we made some new memories.
We got home and my daughter and I, finished decorating our new real tree, with our new garland. We laughed a lot and my son threw in his two cents worth from time to time and we made more memories.
I share this story because my son is a senior in high school and my daughter attends college a few hours away from home. This time next year, my hubby and I will be empty nesters. Gone are the days of little ones and milk and cookies left for Santa. Those days were fun and magical, to be sure.
But, this chapter is turning out to be fun as well. We can be more spontaneous and there are no bed times. We can start new traditions. I get opinions from my mostly grown kids on things like garland and I have to say, I’m enjoying the input.
My family Christmas tree adventure, reminded me that every chapter in our lives has a beauty and magic all its own. Looking back can be fun, but longing for the past robs us of the present and there are still so many memories to make. Perhaps you needed reminding too.
Have an awesome day!
Wendy 🙂