You wouldn’t think that a grown man would miss his mother, but I miss my mom more and more each year. My mom went home to be with the Lord in 1992 at the age of 60. She was the heart and soul of our family, especially when it came to holidays and birthdays.
One of my favorite Christmas memories is etched in my mind forever and revolves around my mom. For some reason when I was about 10-years-old, she decided to move the Christmas tree from its usual spot in the living room of our modest little eastern Kentucky home, to the dining area off the kitchen. She placed it in front of the breakfast nook window and it snowed during the holidays that year.
I remember staring at the Christmas tree with the snow coming down outside in the background. For some reason the combination of the simplicity of the tree, the falling snow, a warm house, homemade candy, and my family nearby is a memory that remains vivid to me. Even at the time, I seemed to sense that I was experiencing something special.
Enjoy every moment with your family this Christmas and be thankful for each person. Be sure to slow down so you can notice and appreciate the “little” things about them and about the holiday. This may be the year that your favorite Christmas memory is etched in your mind to enjoy for years to come.
Steve Rice 