My kids are grown and gone, have their own homes. I'm just fine with it, that's the way things are supposed to be and I do love my own time and space.
My daughter texted me awhile ago and said Christmas Eve at her house, dinner at 4 or 5? I replied whatever was convenient for her though I would rather not drive in the dark (it's a narrow, winding levee road with ditches on both sides). She replied to come early and stay the night, drink some eggnog with her.
A few moments later it hit me that I would then be there on Christmas morning with the three grandkids. I got tears in my eyes quite suddenly.
I hadn't really thought about that. I didn't expect to see them then. I know that it's an honor and a privaledge to be asked to spend that time with her family. I was out shopping yesterday and passing all these little things that I would have got for my kids' stockings. I wanted to get some but I thought, that's not my job to do anymore and I don't want to step on her toes.