November 25, 2024
30 Days! As of today: Monday, the 25th day of November 2024, we are 30 days away from celebrating the birth of our Lord. One might think, though, that our favorite retailers believe Christmas is only a week away.
Their trees are all trimmed, and the decorations are strung; and holiday jingles are being broadcast from sun-up to sun-down. And of course, every kind of gadget, gift, and gimmick is already for sale — especially that 85” Roku TV I keep telling my wife I desperately need. But alas that too is just a thing. With pure somberness, what this dad really wants for Christmas is a gift that even Walmart cannot bring.
With our children spread across the world, I long for the days when we celebrated as a whole. For the first time ever, my Emma will gone during this season of old. Although she’s 6,200 miles away, to me, it feels like she’s but a million more. When we gather to sing “Silent Night” in the dark of the night, she’ll be rising to the morning sun, saying Merry Christmas to her South Korean friends nearby.
And of my oldest and youngest, I’m grateful that at least one can make it home. Because for this dad, it’s been far too long since I’ve been able to hug either one. Thankfully, that hug I crave in less than 30 days away. Just days before Christmas Eve, Gracie and her fiancé will again bless our home. Sadly though my oldest cannot come; like last year, the distance is just too far for her family to come. Maybe, just maybe next year will be better and we’ll have a full house again. A house full of hugs is the greatest gift afterall — a gift that even Santa can’t bring.
Sure, it’ll still be Christmas afterall. But for this dad, without all my girls gathered around the tree, it just won’t feel the same. It sure does stink getting old!
Trimming the tree has always been a special day for my girls. Mom is the master of garland and lights; and me — well I, supervise by staying out of the way. With the lights and garland all strung, our trio has always taken over to adrorn the tree. And as they do, the sounds of “Weiße Weihnacht” (White Christmas) by Heintje Simons has always echoed throughout the home.
As many families do, each of my girls has an oranament that’s special to them — ones they’ve made their own. One ornament in particular has always been my fondest; it’s a little sugar plum we bought when our youngest was less than one. I don’t know why, but when Grace blessed our home, I began calling her my little sugar plum. So of course, when I saw that ornament in the store, I had to bring it home.
But now my little sugar plum is all grown, and this summer she’ll say “I do” to her husband to be. And as her oldest sister has begun, she’ll one day have a family and traditions of her own.
Our children grow so quickly, don’t they. One day their born; and the next, their having children their own. And sometimes (as are two of mine) the distance is just too great for them to make it home. If your children nearby, know how blessed and fortunate you are. Besides Christ, there is no greater gift than celebrating the holidays with everyone at home.
Perhaps this year, I’ll just have to give Gracie extra hugs: hugs for Emma, and triple hugs for Hallie, her husband, and baby boy too — BIG ONES they’ll feel from 1,400+ miles away.
May it be that the Lord our God bless you and your family this Christmastime. May He hug you all and give you that one special gift that no store can bring – the gift of having your family bless you and your home.
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