Getting through the holidays without a loved one is one of the hardest things she’ll go through. That first year brings up all of the memories and good times that she had always cherished, giving her a bittersweet feeling knowing that things will never be the same. All of the traditions that were her absolute favorite as a child seem so much more somber now that they’re gone.
Saying it hurts is an understatement.
When walking up to the door, she rings the bell and it’s distant ring makes her heart drop a little bit. How is she going to get through this night? The door opens and she is welcomed with open arms by her family. They chatter and talk over each other asking her hundreds of questions to catch up on lost time.
At a time of year that is supposed to be so cherished with love, music, and giving, she still has such a hollow feeling in her gut. The Christmas carols do not sound the same. The piano that had played for so many years has fallen silent. Looking around her, the group seems so much smaller and quieter missing that special loved one.
The atmosphere of Christmas is so warming despite the frost that nips at her toes running from the car to the house. Looking outside, beautiful snow covers the yard where so many snow angels and snowman used to be made as a family. Inside the lights and tinsel cover the tree, and the scents of cinnamon and fir tree fill the air with hints of the food cooking in the kitchen.
As she gets ready for her holiday meal, she starts to dish up her food and take her place around the old large table. The wood is worn from all of the times that she has sat around it eating, playing games, and making memories. Everyone laughs and stories about the past, and everyone’s best memories are brought up and shared. Everyone laughs, and laughs, and laughs, almost to tears! She almost feels guilty, thinking, how she can still be so happy while you that special person is not here?
The food is not quite the same as it used to be. The ham, cooked differently, potatoes just a little too lumpy, and the stuffing was completely different compared to how it used to be made. Of course, it is still good and filling, but no matter how full she gets, and how much she has to loosen her pants to eat the dessert, she still feels almost empty. Everything is just not the same without having that special person there.
When gifts start to get passed around she can’t help, but think about her favorite gift that she received from that special loved one. She realizes now, that it was never about the tangible things that were given and passed around, but more about the time spent, and the love shared.
The rest of the evening is filled with more stories, laughs, and watching heartwarming Christmas movies. The Hallmark channel plays classics that she has memories watching for decades. So many memories have been made over time cuddling under blankets, sipping hot cider or hot cocoa, and falling asleep to the dim light of the TV. A Christmas Story plays and everyone laughs and relates themselves to the different characters in the movie, laughing and pointing fun at each other.
‘It's a Wonderful Life,’ one of the most iconic and your loved one’s favorite movies hits home, reminding her that they are gone. Watching it, it makes her think about all of the lives that her loved one had touched, and how different everything is now that they are gone.
As she walks to the car, snowing falling on the chilled air, she looks up at all the beautiful stars, thankful for such another wonderful Christmas night. The bright colorful lights cover the houses along the whole street. Carolers singing classic Christmas songs, fill the air, giving you chills as the music resonates to so many memories.
She pulls her jacket a little closer to her face as the wind bites her nose, hustling to get into the car. As she’s driving away, her loved ones in the car, she watches the houses go past. Leaning her head against the cold window, looking up at the sky, she remembers that loved one who is looking down at her, wishing they were still here.
Spread the love, follow Blog Me Some Love further and like our Page!