“Christmas – that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance – a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved” (Augusta E. Rundel).

I love the entirety of the Christmas season. My only dislike is that the days go by far too fast for my liking and before you know it, both Advent and Christmas are soon over.

For me, Christmas is a time of remembering as much as it is a time of celebration. I think of all those I’ve lost who made Christmases past so wonderful and memorable.

It seems like this year there’s an empty chair at the dinner table and an empty seat at the family gathering. There’s one less voice in the conversation and one less gift under the tree.

For me, it’s not so much sadness that prevades (though there’s a bit of sadness) as much as gratitude for having known all these wonderful people who shaped me and made me who I am.

I raise a glass and toast you, Raymond, Iris, Bob, Monty, Timothy, Bud, Maria, and Ruby. I carry your love and memories with me today and every day.