Dear Mom,

Dear Mom~
I just want to take a few minutes out of my busy day today and thank you for the way you made Christmas happen in our hearts and home through the years. I am beginning to 'get it' and appreciate in full just what a sacrifice and measure of love it was for you to create a meaningful Christmas for us each year.
I've been reminisicing and thinking back fondly on so many of the memories I have of Christmas through the years when I was a kid. I keep trying to 'copy' you and feel like I am short-changing my own kids because I just can't duplicate Christmas the way you made it happen each year. From the hundreds of cookies you baked, and all the open houses you had inviting friends and family to come and share our happiness, to the Christmas trees covered in decorations- old & new- and the greens and candles and nativity scenes that set the tone of warmth and glow in our home. All of it was a wonder- more of a wonder to me more today than it ever was- but even then I remember loving the whole Christmas season.
I hear songs and see lights and bows and my own kids will be visiting and singing carols at a local care center and it just makes me realize how much effort you put into helping our family not only celebrate the season, but share it with those around us too. We were blessed through the years and still are in so many ways. I just wanted to say thank you for making Christmas magical and memorable.
I am making cards {and sending some boughten ones too} and recognizing that the way I 'do Christmas' is very different than the way you do it. =) But had to just tell you today that I am trying hard to make it festive and fond for my kids and family as best I can. I may never measure up to the way Christmas happened to me as a kid, but am hoping and dreaming that my kids will be able to look back on this time in their life and appreciate all that went into it to make it magical as well.
Thanks for your heart, and for giving of yourself so selflessly and to the best of your ability through the years.
I am finally getting it.
With much love to you this season, Jody
P.S. Tell Grandma I have fond memories of her home and all the wonderful sights and sounds and smells and tastes we enjoyed through the years. There really is "no place like home for the holidays". I'm thinking of all of you and send my love to her for a speedy recovery. XOXO