During the build-up to Christmas, my parents ensured we either visited the homes of aunts, uncles, and cousins, or they came to us. It alternated every year, although I don’t think there was a set schedule. We swapped gifts and shared memories. Uncle Alan and his family were always the last to come on Christmas Eve. We put their gifts under our tree and gave ours in return.
My parents reserved Christmas day for elderly relatives living alone. Nanna Dil, Auntie Lean, and Uncle Eddie joined us around the Christmas table until their health left them housebound. Another elderly friend refused to leave her home, so my mother took her a dinner.
Once the dishes were washed, my father and Uncle Eddie dozed in front of the television while my mother took the womenfolk to visit her sister, auntie Pat. We spent Christmas afternoon at her house laughing and eating more food.
On Boxing Day, I spent time with Dad’s side of the family. His twin brother Uncle John and his wife hosted me along with Dad’s sister Auntie Gloria, and I enjoyed playing with my cousins and admiring their new toys and games. I also had a second festive roast because Auntie Linda needed to use up the leftovers.
Looking back, I realise how special those family times were, and I’m grateful for memories shared with loved ones, many of whom are no longer with us. Auntie Lean died first, followed by Uncle Eddie and Nanna Dil. Later, we lost Auntie Gloria, Uncle John, and hardest of all, my father.
On Christmas Eve, I like to take a moment to reflect, to remember the feint echo of well-loved and well-remembered voices, because I don’t want to forget. I re-live moments around the dinner table, or the Christmas Eve when Auntie Gloria’s smoke fumes drove me out of the lounge. I escaped into the front room, switched on the light, and stumbled upon a carefully wrapped and not so carefully hidden collection of presents. I can’t remember what those parcels contained, but I remember the love of my aunt who would have broken her heart if she’d realised she was inadvertently responsible for shattering my childhood illusions of a man in red sliding down the chimney while I slept.
Material possessions come and go. They are quickly forgotten or replaced, but our loved ones are precious gifts from God, so let’s take a moment this Christmastime to pray for those who are left and thank God for those we have loved and lost.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I thank you for my family and friends. Help me to give back some of the love they have freely and selflessly given to me.
Song: On This Day by Reba McEntire
Scriptures to Ponder
John 15: 12: “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”
Psalm 68: 6: “God places the lonely in families;”