Comments on: On Not Being Home for Christmas…

By: Kathryn

Kathryn — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:36:00 +0000

I do hope it was OK, Lydia: and maybe you can start planning now to be with your family for Christmas 08…As my daughter returned to college today I was contemplating how it will feel when we can’t all be together for Christmas, – which is bound to happen one day…and dreading that, though of course I want her to be launched in an exciting and fulfilling adult life of her own. Something about Christmas encourages this sort of reflection, I think…

By: Betsy Whaley

Betsy Whaley — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 21:26:00 +0000

My husband and two kids went back home for Christmas for the first time in 7 years last year and I found myself longing for the traditions “my” family has established. I enjoyed seeing my folks and all the brothers & their families but I find that over the years we have established our own traditions that are now a meaningful part of our celebration. My encouragement to the ones of you feeling sad or homesick is to: 1)acknowledge your feelings and allow yourself to feel them, 2)stay connected to friends, community of faith, etc. where you find yourself, and 3)try to begin establishing your own special traditions. If you are really new in your current location, try to find somewhere to volunteer on Christmas eve or Christmas Day. It’s not the same and it never will be but that does not mean it can’t be a special and meaningful time of celebration.

By: Shawna Renee

Shawna Renee — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:25:00 +0000

My husband and I won’t be making it to either of our families for Christmas: a first for both of us. I’m sad as well. I’m not sure of how I will handle a quiet Christmas. I’m used to a lot of fun family chaos.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 18:08:00 +0000

I too will not be spending time with my family for Christmas. While I’m in my home state, both my siblings will be with their spouses’ families and my parents are in Florida. Too boot, I am single and new to the area, and working on Christmas Day. So, I’m not yet sure what I’ll be doing on Christmas day. It could be an interesting opportunity, but for what yet, I don’t know.

Sarah

By: jledmiston

jledmiston — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:04:00 +0000

I haven’t seen my family of origen for Christmas in a long time (like decades) – essentially since married with kids. It’s too hard. Both husband & I are pastors.

My sis and I get together for her early Dec. birthday instead and the brothers join us for dinner one night. (Parents are dead.) It’s something I really miss when it can’t happen one year.

It’s understandable to be sad. Wish you could be there.

By: Naomi

Naomi — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 03:17:00 +0000

Yup. I’m a bit sad about it too. My sister and her husband actually live nearish us, too (50km?), but generally have plans with friends at christmas. I don’t find that offensive or anything, I just get a little sad occasionally that we can’t spend the time with them. Oh well!