When I was a child, my home was the gathering place on Christmas morning. My brother and I were the youngest grandchildren by a wide margin, so nearly the whole family on my mother’s side would come to our house. First my grandmother (Gran,) great-aunt (Mar-Mar,) and aunt (Mamie) would arrive to watch us open presents at around 6:30 a.m., followed by Aunt Nan, Uncle Joe, and their daughters, Mary Virginia and Nancy, at around 7:30. The Amelia County relatives would roll in around 9 for a meal that began with oyster stew. I have never fully understood how a bowl of milk containing two oysters was a stew, but it seemed to be tolerated if not fully enjoyed. My sweet mom would scramble eggs, fry bacon, and serve toast to round out the meal.
Here is evidence of my audience in 1974 when I was in kindergarten, while I was still the center of attention.
Two months later, my brother was born. I don’t know what I am holding in my hand, but I appear to be pleased.
Fast forward to 2024, and our Christmas traditions are very different. While my family isn’t scattered across the country or even the state, neither do we live in a small, close-knit community like Blackstone. On Christmas Day, it will be just the four of us plus GMom. I have grown to love our “small” Christmas, just as I did the well-attended celebrations of my childhood.
As I write this on Friday night, though, there are aromas of garlic, butter, and parmesan wafting out of the kitchen. My daughter is preparing dinner for nine of her childhood friends who will have their annual gift exchange here tonight. Even though I am a fly on the wall, my heart is full as the house overflows with the love and laughter of these sweet young ladies, some of whom I have known since they were toddlers.
However you are celebrating this Christmas, I hope it is full of peace, joy, and love as we mark the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
God Bless,
Margaret
Margaret Keightley
Executive Director
Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond
The Catholic Community Foundation of the Diocese of Richmond
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