Covid-19 has not made this a normal Christmas for any of us. Some of us are alone, and we’d rather be with family, but we’re trying to keep everyone safe. Some of us have presents for family members that never arrived. They were ordered in plenty of time, but they’re stuck in Los Angeles or Cleveland or somewhere en route, and tracking isn’t even telling us anything. My poor mother sent my presents and gumdrop bars weeks ago. She feels bad that the presents haven’t arrived, and they’re not under my tree today.
That brings me to my point. I love Christmas. I’ve loved it since I was little, and my parents couldn’t keep me in bed on Christmas day. So, they let me get up and turn on the Christmas tree lights, and I would be quite happy watching them while enjoying the sight of all the presents under the tree. My father loved to host his family for a Christmas gathering, and we would gather on Christmas Eve at my mother’s parents. As an adult, I arrived at my parents’ home at 6 or 6:30 one morning, and my Dad was waiting for me in the driveway. “What kept you so long?” I just didn’t think I should show up before 6 AM.
But, it’s all about the presence, not the presents themselves. My father loved to have his family around him. My mother is never happier than when all her daughters are home. That’s what is important. And, it really doesn’t matter to me that I’m not in Ohio with my family. It’s their presence in my life that is important, their love. And, I’ll talk to them on Christmas. Their love is more important than any physical present that didn’t show up in time. I can hear their laughter, and feel their presence even if I’m not physically in Ohio. There have been so many years I haven’t been there. That’s okay.
It’s actually the same with all of you who show up day after day, or even once in a while. I know many of you don’t comment, but you’re enjoying the blog and the book reviews and conversations over your coffee in the mornings. Your presence means a great deal to me. And, I hope my daily presence, even just a note, brings a little joy to your life.
Thank you for being a presence in my life. Your conversations, your comments, even just knowing you’re out there, is a wonderful present. Thank you.
Merry Christmas! May the next year find you celebrating the people in your life, and their presence in your heart.
Thank you for this,Lesa. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Linda! It will be better in the future.
Merry Christmas, Lesa. Very well put.
My brother works for a health care organization in Oregon, keeping the office going so the others can go out and visit the home bound and patients in nursing homes, and he was told yesterday that he’ll be getting the vaccine soon, so that’s good. I hope all of us get it as soon as possible, because there are too many irresponsible people out there,
So, stay home and be safe, everyone. Things will be better next year at this time.
Thank you, Jeff! I agree. The fire responders up home in northern Ohio have been getting the shots. You’re right. I plan to get it as soon as I can, but there are a lot of people who need it first, such as your brother.
I’m home. And, I agree. Stay safe!
Merry Christmas, Lesa! Your words are a perfect description of the challenges of this season for everyone. Better days are ahead in so many ways. Until then we do what needs to be done to keep ourselves and others as safe as possible.
Your blog posts with excellent reviews and recommendations for great reading are always so welcome in “normal” times.
In these Covid times you also help us connect with characters and plots to fill the empty spaces otherwise filled with the physical presence of family and friends. Thank you!
Thank you, Deb. Everyone here helps fill empty spaces for me every single day. Thank you! Merry Christmas!
That was beautifully written. We had a surprise couple of inches of snow in Michigan overnight. My brothers and I, who grew up in NC, always ran barefoot thru the first (and usually last) snowfall of the season. So, that’s what I did this morning! Good memories!
Merry Christmas to everyone, and Lesa, thanks for the blog and the very special post today.
Merry Christmas, Jennifer! Thank you for the gift of laughter today. The thought of running barefoot through the first snow! Not for me, but I love the idea that you kept up that family custom although your brothers might not be there. Thank you!
A very Merry Christmas to you. I’ve discovered that we can show our love to family by Zoom.
We certainly can find creative ways to show our love to family. Thank you, and Merry Christmas, Shirley!
Love you and merry Christmas .
Merry Christmas, Mom! I hope you were able to watch Brian’s mass! We’ll talk later. I love you!
Merry Christmas Lesa. Yes, we share your feelings of “presence” too. Tis our first Christmas without family or children, grandchildren as well but thanks to the magic of the internet we can Zoom, Facetime or Duo and watch the excitement of gift exchanges and share the togetherness. For that we are thankful and hope that next Christmas will be better. Once again, I started my morning with your lovely message. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Pat! As I said to Shirley, I”m so happy people have found ways to connect and enjoy their family without endangering anyone. I hope next Christmas will be better as well, and that your family is able to get together and hug each other sooner than that. Thank you for starting your morning with me, even on Christmas day.
Merry Christmas, Lesa! I miss being with my family but right now it’s the right thing to do. Your message made me feel better. Thank you!
Thank you, Carol. I know. This year isn’t an easy one, but it is the right thing. Thank you for your kindness in saying my message helped. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas from Dallas. Your presence continues to mean the world to me.
Merry Christmas, Kevin! I know holidays, or really any days, are not easy for you. Just know you are thought of with love, by so many of us. Take care of yourself. And, take care of Scott. Sending love to both of you.
Merry Christmas, Lesa! Nicely said. And, thank you. Thank you for new authors and new books, for What Are You Reading Thursdays and for being you.
Karen, Thank you for sharing all of that with me – authors and books and What Are You Reading Thursdays. It means a lot that people read the blog, respond to the post, and talk about their books. Merry Christmas!
What a sweet, lovely piece.
Merry Christmas, Lesa.
Love you!
Thank you, Kaye! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Lesa!
Thank you, Glen! Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! Here’s wishing for a better year in 2021.
I totally agree with you, Bonnie. I’m wishing for a better year in 2021 as well. Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to all of you…and a Healthy New Year.
Merry Christmas, Gram! I hope it was a good one, and I wish you a healthy, safe New Year!
Merry Christmas, Lesa. Look forward to having my coffee with you every morning.Thanks for bing there.
Thank you. Linda! It’s nice to know there are people all over who are having coffee “with me” every morning. Thank you for taking the time! Merry Christmas!
You expressed those thoughts so well, Lesa. Presents are the least of what is important about Christmas. My parents have been gone for a while and I did not spend Christmas with them usually because of the distance, but your comments on your mother’s feelings reminded me of how much I miss them, always.
Thank you, Tracy. I know that people understand when I write from the heart. That’s truly how I feel. My father has been gone for years; my husband for almost eleven years now. Like you, I can say I always miss them. But, that doesn’t mean they’re not still a presence in who I am and how I live. Thank you.
And the very best to you Lesa. I may not be here every day, but knowing you and your followers are here brings me comfort and joy. Merry Christmas to you and your Kitty family!
Thank you, Sandie! I’m so glad to hear we bring joy. Joy and books – my goals in life! Merry Christmas to you, Bill, and your Kitty family!
A lovely Christmas message, Lesa, that carries throughout the year for sure. Your presence is much valued by me and so many others.
Thank you Kathy. I’m sure your Christmas was a little different this year. Take care of yourself! I hope it’s a better year ahead.
All the best to you, Lesa. I accidently found your e-mail a few moments ago. I heard from my son in China and he told me he sent a gift to me. I found the gift in updates. I am really hoping that Co-vid ends soon. Too bad about your mother’s gift to you. My husband signed up for Part D and it took 8 days for his card to go to Plano from Houston. He was looking in the box every single day!
Texas has had the Pfizer batch (very small) and a larger one from Moderna. In our state, they are doing all the medical people in hospitals, first responders and nursing homes. I they will be done with that group by the end of January. Then, unless the state changes their mind, we will be in the next group.
I hope that everyone in our group can make it through until they receive the vaccine, Would like to give everyone a big hug.
Thank you, Carol! I hope we all can make it through as well. Wouldn’t it be nice to give everyone a hug?
I’m hoping COVID ends soon as well. It has destroyed so much of the quality of life in the world, including people’s livelihoods. Of course, it’s even worse for those who lost lives or loved ones to this cruel disease, and had no chance to say a proper goodbye.
I hope we all have the opportunity to get vaccines, and that enough people do that it makes a difference.
Carol, Here’s wishing 2021 is kinder to everyone.