Christmas Day has arrived.
Here we go again.
The differences.
The flooding memories.
The quiet reminders of what once was.
Last night, I fell asleep alone on Christmas Eve.
This morning, I woke up alone on Christmas Day.
There is something about waking up on Christmas morning that stirs every memory you’ve ever tucked away. The house is still. The lights on the tree glow softly. The coffee brews. Yet somehow the silence feels louder than ever.
It isn’t a peaceful silence.
It’s a lonely one.
I find myself remembering Christmases that once filled every room with laughter, wrapping paper, children’s excitement, hugs, and traditions that seemed as though they would last forever.
Holiday traditions have always meant so much to me.
They weren’t just activities.
They were love.
They were family.
They were belonging.
Now many of those traditions seem to have quietly disappeared, leaving behind only echoes that visit my heart each Christmas morning.
I’ve learned something about myself over the years.
When life feels overwhelming, my therapy isn’t found in words.
It’s found in my kitchen.
Cooking.
Baking.
Preparing food for the people I love.
There is something healing about stirring a bowl of cookie dough, preparing family favorites, or baking a sweet dessert. It gives my hands something to do while my heart quietly remembers. And knowing I’m preparing to spend time with the loves of my life somehow eases the ache.
This afternoon will look different though. I’ll be spending it with new friends.
Will new traditions begin today?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
And strangely…I’m okay with that.
Not every Christmas has to recreate the ones we’ve lost. Replacement memories are becoming a new fav of mine!
Sometimes the greatest gift is simply not being alone.
Sometimes allowing new people into our lives helps fill spaces that have felt empty for far too long.
The memories will always remain.
The love will always remain.
And perhaps there is still room for hope to quietly write a new chapter.
But above everything else…
Above the loneliness.
Above the memories.
Above the traditions that have changed.
The true reason for this beautiful season floods my heart.
A young couple.
A humble stable.
A newborn baby wrapped in swaddling clothes.
The greatest gift this world has ever received.
A Savior.
A promise.
A hope that never fades.
Happy Birthday, Jesus.
Thank You for coming into a broken world…and into broken hearts…bringing light where there is darkness and hope where there is sorrow.
And to each of you reading this…
Whether your Christmas table is full or your home is quiet…
Whether your heart is celebrating or quietly grieving…
May you know that you are deeply loved.
Merry Christmas to you all.
Pondering traditions …. and replacement memories ….
with …. gussiewrites.com
Life in Words 