Originally Posted by T-Bones mom
Be thankful!! This is the worst Christmas I can ever remember. My husband and I are alone for the first time. All the children are married and have their own families. Last night and this morning have been depressing. We will be with all of them later today but it is not the same as having them home. I miss the days of a house full of children or bigger children home for Christmas.
Boy do I understand! Last year was the very first year ever that no kids were in the house to pull dad out of bed Christmas morning (a tradition in our house it seems 8-) ) Even after our youngest DD got married, she and her DH would stay Christmas eve and be there in the AM to pull a (pretending to be sleeping) protesting dad out of bed. But now they are living in NZ. It felt just as weird and mood dampening this year as last. I am sure we will get used to it...just odd.
Such a testament to the kind of people you are that these kids want to be with you. You are obviously providing something for them that they value very highly. I remember when one of our youngest DD's friends spend Christmas eve and Christmas morning with us the year her parents were having problems. She still considers us her adopted parents. Bless you for your loving and giving hearts.