My father LOVED the holiday season SO much. Our house would transform into a living Christmas space. It took 5 kids and parents all day. Putting things away and replacing them with Christmas versions of what was stored. He loved it. One weekend of baking sugar cookies and then all of the kids decorating them. Another taking us to shop for each other. Each kid getting $5 to buy one gift for each family member. Back then that was plenty.

He made the atmosphere beautiful and magical. He watched each Christmas special with a slight tear in his eye, because of his sentimental heart. We heard Christmas music throughout the house. Planning family gatherings and dinner for Christmas day. To me he was the living embodiment of the holiday spirit. I’m so grateful he was there, because every memory was precious.

Life for me (over the last several years), has jaded my spirit. Too many hardships and struggles. That spirit he infused me with has been slowly waning. And this year it feels absent. I’ll hope that perhaps in the coming years it will return.

How i miss his magic. I miss YOU, Dad….my heart hurts fom your absence. I love you.