The need to create a merry environment in honor of Christ’s birth and promise is deep within my bones. I have spent each spare moment of the past month getting ready for the main event: the holiest of days and most sanctified events, Christmas Day.
You see, I had two of the best, top-notch, class act, wonderful Christian examples of women whom cultivated this desire within me.
My grandmothers.
One of which gave me a blessing of a mother who thankfully still leads me by her gracious, unconditional love-filled example.
For the past two days, I’ve been elbow deep in brown sugar, flour, butter and baking chocolate. Crafting Christmas treats that will hopefully bring joy to my family. I’ve taken the time to meditate, pray and ponder all the wonders of life. I’ve been weepy with each Christmas cookie baked, holiday movie watched, sentiment thought and memory of Christmas past remembered.
My grandmothers went to be with their Father in Heaven years ago. But when I put on my special Christmas apron and start baking in the kitchen, it feels like I have walked back in time; as if I am walking through two kitchen doors I will never walk through again.
Of course, this fact of life chokes me up. I’d do anything to see and touch their faces. To sit for hours and listen to them talk. To ask them so many questions I never asked or to hear stories they told over and over again. To sing Christmas carols (out of tune) as my MaMa joyfully played the notes on the ivory keys of her piano. Just thinking about it makes me a slobbery mess.
Maybe it’s this terrible, horrible, no good year of 2020 that has me all up in my emotions and the fact that time is of truly of essence. I guess this has filled me with even more urgency to postulate, love and celebrate this life I have been given. And, to celebrate the women who made it their job to show insurmountable love for their families especially at Christmastime.
Many folks probably think I’m over the top with my house filled with Christmas music constantly playing, decorations galore and ornament filled trees (yes, multiple Christmas trees).
But I just can’t help it. I was taught by some very wise women to be “extra” this time of the year. And for that, I will be eternally grateful.
I hope and pray each of you are filled with the spirit of Christmas this year. Life is but a mere breath so make good of it. It is a gift to each of us.
In the words of my paternal grandmother, who at the end of each conversation would say, “God Bless You.”
Merry Christmas to you and yours!
With Love,
Alison Paul Klakowicz
Hodge Podge Podcast and Blog 