Border to Border: Christmas at "home"

Wherever that might be. Home...I use that term very loosely now-a-days. Home to us has become three or more varied locations. At times I find myself actually missing our little, fixer-upper house in South Texas, the first home we have ever actually owned. And, have I mentioned how much I HATE renting. Well, I do. I am ready for some stability, certainty, and my own house, where I can hammer nails wherever I want, mow the yard however I please (or not), and let the horses and dogs go wherever I feel is best. Well, all in good time, right?

This Christmas was spent at what can only be considered "back" home, in Texas with my immediate and extended family. It was so nice to have everyone in the same room at Christmas, especially since it was the first Christmas without my grandmother. My, how I miss that woman. My sister and I did take some lovely poinsettias out to the cemetery for her. I still feel her around. I think its because in all my 32 years, I have never known life without her. It is taking some getting used to.

Christmas was such a blessing. I have never seen so many presents under the tree. I think we gave each other so much in an attempt to make up for the lack of Christmas spirit we all felt (or didn't feel) this year. I have heard from other friends that it wasn't just us. I don't know if it is the economy or what...but everyone seemed to be down in the dumps this holiday season. My niece and nephews had so much fun opening all their presents and I just love seeing their faces of surprise and amazement renew as they open each gift. It seems my immediate family and I all had the same idea. We each gave each other something that was really personal and sentimental. My sister and I lucked out and found the most amazing gift for my dad. We got him something he has been really wanting for a long time, but is hard to find. Dad has a moderate fascination with the old west, specifically things to do with mountain men...the ones who forged the way and were the first true wilderness pioneers. He kinda looks like a mountain man, himself and he loves them in art, books, just about anything actually. Well, we lucked out and found him a vintage Hudson Bay wool blanket coat. These were originally designed from the coats mountain men made from Indian blankets and wore ages ago. Then the Hudson Bay Co. picked up the design and made them for years, but the ones you can find now are typically from the 60's and 70's. The blankets and coats are easily identifiable by their unique colors and patterns...they are a cream color with black, red, yellow, and green horizontal stripes. Dad was so moved by our gift...we left him speechless, which is quite a feat with my dad. We got our mom a new over-the-stove microwave. Now, I know you are probably thinking: what is so sentimental about an microwave? Well, you have to know my mother. It is something she has been wanting for a while to make counter space in her kitchen. She would never buy it for herself, though. She was totally unsuspecting and was so touched that we would get her a "big" present like that...but she deserves it. She does so much for all of us, it was a small gesture of appreciation for how she cares for everyone in the family. I got my sister a ring with a pearl setting and had it engraved for her. I wanted her to know that I am so very thankful to have her as my sister. God couldn't have picked us more perfectly for each other. She is truly my best friend. My sister and parents surprised me with a gorgeous new comforter set that I had been eyeing but really hadn't given serious thought to buying. I was just admiring it from afar. I couldn't believe it! I am in love and can't to have a house where I can actually use it!!! :) Dad surprised us with gifts of his own. My sister and I opened his gifts to us at about the same time. He gave my sister his high school class ring. She, of course, cried. He gave me something so perfect...his horse patrol belt buckle. I, too, cried. He wants me to wear it, but I can't bring myself to do it. I want to put it in a shadow box along with some of his horse patrol photos from when I was much younger. I have one that is perfect. He is mounted on his horse in full uniform complete with hat, chaps, and spurs surrounded by the South Texas brush. I love it. He tried so hard when I was younger, but couldn't manage to keep that "horse gene" from creeping out in me. I don't know what possessed him to pass these things down to us now, but by the time all the gifts were opened, we had all shed our fair share of tears. I just love my family.

All in all, we definitely made up for our lack of early Christmas spirit by finishing strong. We celebrated the birth of our Savior and showed how much we love one another. I don't think you can get any more Christmas-y than that. With all our family has been through in the past year, and continues to go through now...here's to hoping 2011 holds a little more cheer.