This Christmas will not find me pajama clad, shaking Little Brother awake at the ungodly hour of 9.30am. The stocking I made when I was 8 will not be hanging above the fireplace stuffed with roses chocs. It will not find our little whanau of four unwrapping intentionally crap gifts with the breakfast bottle of bubbly.
Instead, I will wake to the sound of Science Guy’s nieces and nephews, and their loud and crazy wonder at the disappearance of carrots (reindeer) and beer (the big guy) and the appearance of packages under the tree (the grown-ups are currently buying into the group psychosis that is Santa). I will call at least 3 different countries and say ‘Merry Christmas! I love you and miss you’. I will spend the day in the sun (fingers and toes crossed) eating, drinking, laughing. Being part of someone else’s tradition. Being here for a kiwi Christmas.
I know that this is part of me and him making new traditions, while holding tight to the old ones. That I am blessed. That distance and separation do not diminish love.
And this is my comfort and joy.
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merry xmas sas!!! to you and your family. it is xmas eve here. and it was sunny yesterday, but a wicked storm is brewing and we expect down pours.mary