Nostalgia...the memories flood back

To say that I was overwhelmed with emotions during this concert was an understatement. That's what the holidays always bring for most of us. It was fond memories of holiday cookies at Grandma's or searching the Higdem acreage for just the right tree for my attic bedroom to put all the throw away ornaments that didn't make the cut for the tree downstairs...

If I must admit this...I still put some of those ornaments on my current trees...and they remain so special.

I got to the end of the concert and could feel those emotions washing and flooding over me. The traditions that sadly are long gone...The people who have since passed away and left us behind...
Christmas is about creating not only moments...remembering the times long ago, but also creating traditions that are new and special to us all.

But if I am really going to be honest...

The one I miss the most at Christmas is my Mom. 

She loved Christmas so much...

Christmas filled her house and heart.

All year round!

Her Santas grace my home and tree.

Her spirit lives on in each of us.

Her passion and zest for life is instilled in me.

And her Christmas is my Christmas and always will be...

And I just could not stop thinking about her as I ended this concert...

"Someday soon we all will be together,

if the Fates allow...

Until then...

We'll have to muddle through somehow"

And the emotions continue well into the future...

Just one more Christmas without her is still difficult...sometimes overwhelming...

and I just let the emotions come as they may...

honor them...

in my heart and soul. 

And continue to honor her legacy and all she has taught me.