We had planned on spending Thanksgiving at my in-laws because we knew there was no way my father-in-law could come here. It's the fair thing to do. The last time we didn't spend it with my family was 2012. Yes, we always saw his family as well during all of these years, but often it was a quick trip over before, and then we would leave early on Thanksgiving morning to be here. I hated the thought of missing the big family meal at my aunt & uncle's house, but it doesn't look like that is going to happen. This will almost certainly be the last Thanksgiving for my father-in-law. Of course, it is also the first Thanksgiving without G.G. as well.
And the first Christmas without her, although last year she was not well at all. Her decline in the four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a little astonishing. My paternal grandmother has already announced that there will be no Christmas celebration with all of us. She says that it is mostly because of the pandemic, although she isn't up to hosting anyway. I would be happy to do so, but there is also a cousin-in-law having major surgery at the beginning of December, so it just isn't going to happen this year. I understand, but my grandmother is also 89, turning 90 early in January. Next isn't guaranteed for any of us, and certainly not for her. I can't accept that there is no Christmas with her. We are seeing what we can work out.
I'm definitely being mindful about what we purchase. Is it truly a thoughtful gift? Does it have meaning, or is it just a gift for the sake of having a gift? Whenever possible, I am choosing to support small, local businesses.
I hope this Christmas is full of as many fabulous memories as we can make. Memories are so important to me. I don't get to control how much time Catherine spends with us, or how Robert feels about us. All I can do is remember the real reason of the season, and make it as merry as possible for everyone.
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