new

"Hey, Brad! Let's go get our Christmas tree!" I yelled.

"Okay. But what car will we use? Dad has the SUV."

"Oh, my car will be just fine. We will travel California style," I determined.

"California style?" he questioned.

"You know? With the top down. That's the beauty of a convertible." I laughed.

"Ha Ha," Brad sarcastically chortled.

So began the beginning of new traditions at our home.

  "Unbelievable! They are actually climbing the tree!" Brad laughed.

"Oh. My. Gosh. The kitties are destroying the Christmas tree!" I exclaimed.

"I know. Right?" Roberto responded. "The ornaments are on the floor, except for the top portion of the tree, where there are still a few dangling from the branches."

"I know. It's hilarious!" Liz said. "And, well, they did leave one blue bulb at the bottom," she reasoned.

"Thankfully Cassandra and Skyler didn't get high enough to ruin the paper star I made," Roberto sighed with relief.

Indoor kitties equal an outdoor Christmas tree.

Stockings were hung with care. On the window sill. In front of the tree that seemed to be looking in, asking 'what happened?'

  "Alright, kids, we are going to send Dad a care package. Bond us through gifts. You might say," I told Roberto, Liz, and Brad.

"I am getting him boxed See's Peanut Brittle and a Williams-Sonoma gift card," Roberto claimed. "I am pretty sure he's in need of some carmel."

"Oh, I know," Liz started, "he would love a Chef Rudy apron. A red one!"

"He will like the movie Tropic Thunder," said Brad. "Dad likes movies like that." 

"Hey, I found an Atlanta Braves wall plague," I excitedly told them. "What do you think? It will be from all of us."

"Perfect!" all three chimed.

"And of course, we will make a homemade card. Signed. Sealed. And delivered," I announced.

"He is going to be so surprised. It's going to make his day," Liz said. 

Roberto, Brad, and I smiled at the thought.

"Mom, don't forget I am going with Chris to Texas. We're leaving in the morning, on December 24th. Christmas Eve day," Elizabeth said. 

"I remember," I told her. "Let's make pizza and open gifts on December 23. In the evening."

"That sounds like fun!" she exclaimed.

And it was. 

Lively. 

Happily. 

We celebrated. 

Great food, and awesome gifts!

  "Boys, since Dad won't be here to cook a gourmet meal for Christmas Eve, what would you like?"

"Something fun!" Roberto raised his voice.

"Like?" I asked.

"Chicken Alfredo?" he wondered.

"Sounds good. But remember I will prepare it from a jar. And a box. I will also make a Caesar Salad poured from a cellophane bag, and the garlic bread will just need a bit of heat," I admitted.
"I just hope it tastes as good as Dad's cooking," Brad joked.

All I could do was smile.

"Mom, you don't mind if I go hang out with a couple of my friends, do you? It being Christmas Eve?" Roberto asked. 

"Oh, don't worry. Have fun. Brad and I are planning to have a cookie cutting, baking, and decorating party," I told him.

"That sounds like fun," he smiled.

It was.

It dawned on me. Later. When I was cleaning up. This was the first year, in many, that we did not spend Christmas Eve day making a gift for each other. You see, we started the tradition years ago. To help teach the kids the value of giving. More so than getting. The day starts with drawing a name out of a hat, or bowl, or cup. Whatever. Then each person spends the day making something, anything, for the person they chose. The only rule is that you cannot go to the store and buy. You must find things around the house to use. It could be a handwritten letter. A decorated framed photo. A pencil drawing. Something that the receiver would love. Something specifically for them. After dinner, we take turns giving each other the gifts. 

A wonderful tradition that slipped away this year.

This morning. Christmas. Texting me first thing. Then I gave Rudy a phone call.

 Within the hour, Liz and I did the text dance.

 "What are these? Who are they for?" Roberto wondered. He woke up before Brad. Way before.

"For you two. Just an extra, unexpected, but necessary gift," I told him.

"Ah, Mom. I love you."

"Love you too."

Roberto, Brad, and I spent the afternoon with my sister, brother, and my mom. Eating and chatting.

"How are you, Roberto?" Grandma asked.

"Busy. With work. I work so much. At two jobs."

"Are you getting enough rest?" she wondered.

"Yes, and no. But I figure I am young. I have the energy. I like it. For now," he told her.

"Just be sure to rest when you can," she said.

"I will, Grandma."

 

"Would you like a massage, Grandma?"

"Okay," she hesitated.

Brad gently rubbed his fingertips along the back of her neck and shoulders.

"Ooooo. That feels good."

Happy Holidays. To all. And to all, a good-nite.....