A Tale of Ornaments and Christmas Cookies: Navigating the Holidays Without Mom

Hey there,

If you're reading this, chances are you or someone you care about is facing the daunting prospect of a holiday season without a loved one for the first time. In my case, it's my mom, VeeAnn, who could turn any room into a winter wonderland with just a few ornaments and a sprinkle of holiday magic.

Let me tell you, grief is a strange beast. It doesn't follow a script, and it certainly doesn't take a vacation during the festive season. As I gear up for my first Christmas without Mom, I can't help but reminisce about the woman who made the holiday season a spectacle to remember.

You see, my mom was the Christmas queen. She could deck the halls like nobody's business. The tree? Oh, it was a masterpiece. I swear, no one could put 1.3 million ornaments on a 6ft tree like she could. I smile when I pass by a beautifully decorated tree now, but it's a bittersweet smile because, let's be real, nobody could outdo Mom.

And then there are the Christmas cookies and fudge! Mom's Christmas sweets were legendary. If there was a competition, she'd have taken home the gold, silver, and bronze. I'm convinced her secret ingredient was pure love. I find myself looking at store-bought cookies with a raised eyebrow, thinking, "You call that a Christmas cookie?"

Now, amidst the grief and the laughter through tears, there's a subplot to this holiday saga. You know your family is passionate about Christmas when the only heated debate during the estate division is about who gets the coveted Peanut Character Christmas ornaments. Yes, you read that right. It turns out that these tiny decorations, representing Snoopy and the gang, were worth their weight in sentimental gold. I can almost hear Mom laughing from somewhere above, probably thrilled that her impeccable taste has sparked a friendly sibling rivalry.

As I navigate this uncharted territory of celebrating without Mom, I've learned a few things that might resonate with you. First and foremost, it's okay not to have it all together. Grief doesn't follow a timeline, and neither should your healing process. Embrace the tears, cherish the memories, and allow yourself to feel whatever emotions come knocking at your door.

And then there's the power of humor. Mom wouldn't want us drowning in sorrow; she'd probably crack a joke about the absurdity of arguing over Christmas ornaments. So, I'm making it a point to find the funny moments, even in the midst of the pain.

This holiday season, I invite you to join me in celebrating the legacy of our loved ones. Whether it's through a beautifully adorned tree, a batch of homemade cookies that could rival a bakery, or even a heated debate over quirky Christmas ornaments, let's honor the memories that live on in the traditions we hold dear.

Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and even in the absence of our loved ones, their spirit continues to shine through the holiday lights.

Wishing you warmth, laughter, and a sprinkle of holiday magic,

Merry Christmas

Shannon