Travel and Christmas

There were many times through the years that we would leave work on a Friday and drive 6, 8 or, even 10 hours to one of our parents home for the Christmas holidays.  Sometimes it would be a "quick" trip that allowed for only a day or two at one house and then it was another drive to the next family Christmas with the other side of the family.  There were also the expected gatherings at a grandparent's house -- or, sometimes a couple of them.

Holidays can be hectic.  Marriage brings with it the need to meet obligations on both sides.  Everyone is understanding (usually), but it can be crazy trying to manage all of the places where you want to be or, need to be, or sometimes, are expected to be.

Children make it even more challenging.  It is important that they get to spend time with extended family, but the logistics of hauling all of the paraphernalia needed for a baby and then later as the kids grow and the family expands, it sometimes is difficult to get everything packed into the limited space of a vehicle for the trip.  The bigger the family, the number of gifts grows until it becomes a nightmare for some.  Who needs clothes, right?

At some point in most young families life, a decision is made that Christmas will be at home, with just immediate family.  It is a hard transition for some, but a necessary one.  It is part of the growth in independence and self-sufficiency.

It is good to maintain the extended family contact, but sometimes it is more important to maintain immediate family sanity.  Sometimes we need to slow down and remember the reason we celebrate Christmas.

We have reached a point in our journey where we are waiting up until the "wee hours" for kids who are traveling to spend a brief day with us before heading back to other obligations.  We are thankful for that time.  We covet that time, but we also know it is hard on them.

As we enter these final days before Christmas, be mindful of the needs of others.  Be thankful for what you have.  Remember the reason for the season.

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child."  -- Luke 2:4-5