Christmas In July

I love the holidays.  One of the things that I enjoy the most is spending time with my family.  When the kids were young, Mike and I would pile them in the car and head off to the parent’s houses.  Usually Christmas Eve was spent with Mike’s folks and Christmas Day was spent with my parents.  We would visit with Mike’s brother and his family.  My sisters were on the agenda for Christmas day, and we always had a blast.  

As time moved forward and the kids grew to adulthood with families of their own, we traveled less.  Usually we would spend Christmas Eve and Day with the kids in our home in Missouri and later would travel to see the parents the following week. Part of growing up is establishing your own family traditions and celebrating those holidays with your children.  The parents totally understood and were content to see us in the weeks following the holidays. When the parents passed away the visits in the winter months became fewer and further between.  

This week I spoke to my sister Karen.  We were chatting about the holidays and how hard it is to get together with everyone having their own individual families.  I suggested that we get together in July.  It is smack dab in the middle of the summer.  Travel would not be an issue, and given the nature of both my sister’s employment status, it would be easier for them to take a few days to visit.  I know that a lot of people do this and it is not a new concept, but she was all over it.  She and I set a date and game on.

Those Christmas presents that are in the travel bag by my front door will finally make it to them.  We will be able to chat about the past year and all that has transpired since we’ve last visited.  Karen will call the cousins, drag out the grill, and set out the lawn chairs.  We have talked about seeing a movie together, shopping, or maybe an evening of bingo.  I know…..Bingo…..really?  My sister Karen is the dauber queen and win is her middle name.  I love to play with her because we split the earnings.  I NEVER stinking win, but it is a hoot to watch her go.

Christmas in July!  I am sooooo looking forward to seeing the sisters and catching up!  Look out Oklahoma…..here we come!

Lora