Day 21 – Saying YES to INNER PEACE AND CALM DURING THE HOLIDAYS

When my Dad married my stepmom, Val in 1980 it began 27 years of preparation for our annual gift-giving frenzy. Val taught our family about giving and receiving. It was her favorite holiday. Most of the time we combined Chanukah on Christmas Eve. It just made it a lot easier. I admit, it was always a lot of fun once we were all there with our presents all wrapped, sitting at the dinner table and excitedly looking forward to unwrapping our gifts. But the shopping was stressful – yet I loved it too. We were all so young when we began!

It all changed seven years ago when she transitioned shortly before the holidays. That first year we traded gift cards back and forth just to carry on in some way. The following year my Dad finally sorted through all the gifts that Val had purchased the year before and figured out who they were for. He presented them to us at the normal time and it was so surreal. I definitely felt Valerie’s spirit there with us that day!

Ever since we have steadily done less and less. The past two years my Dad and I went out for Chinese food. This year we are going to my brother’s house but we are not exchanging gifts.

So no last minute shopping and gift wrapping. Ah. The peace and quiet!!

Wendy