Christmas Eve

More than 10 years ago this evening I sat on the tatami mat floor of my little Japanese apartment and poured my heart onto paper. I wrote about childhood memories and Christmas. They were thoughts and memories that were flying around in my head as I had my first Christmas in Japan and away from any family. I was bit teary-eyed and very sappy. Just two pages of memories and thoughts and I was done. A simple ode to the holidays and love of my family. Then I decided that I wanted to share it with my mom because I knew she would love it. My siblings and parents were on a road trip together to see extended family. So I made an international phone call and got a fax number. Later that day I was able to talk to them and learned that they read it out loud to everyone and made them cry. Not what I expected, but it made me feel like I was a part of the family from far away.

Tonight I was driving home after a Christmas Eve party with dear friends and began to feel a bit nostalgic for my family and Christmases past. This triggered the memory of my Japanese Christmas so many years ago. I have had many Christmas experiences in new places and with new people. Each year seems to be different and memorable.

With only a few more minutes left this Christmas eve, I am wondering where I will be next year and who I will be celebrating Christ's birth with.

Merry Christmas! May you know God's richest blessings this year!