Christmas is home…it is family (whether you like them or not). It’s a time for love and peace and reflection.
Alas, for many of us it’s also the season when bickering and tensions are running at an all-time high. Arguments about Christmas arrangements can make anyone stressed about Christmas…..gifts, who makes what, who’s coming and who’s not…..my goodness, make the trifle and the malva pudding, have the braaibroodjie and the gluten free bread – and then have a glass of wine.
Oh, the irony, because many of our squabbles at this special time actually spring from just wanting to create a perfect holiday for everyone we love. Everyone is trying to do the ‘right’ thing, so they don’t hurt anyone’s feelings but the ‘right’ thing for other people might be totally the ‘wrong’ thing for you, which is why it becomes so frustrating and painful.
Yet, this year, more than any before, I am deeply ashamed of petty rows such as having a cold lunch or a braai on 25 December. You see, this year we as a family will have to dig deep to find gratitude and acceptance as cancer joins us at the table. An uninvited plus-1 has attached itself to my beautiful 34-year old cousin; feeding off her grace and strength with no mercy.
It is a tough time for our family. But it’s also a time for truly realising the power of giving each other the three best gifts of all: patience, love and understanding. My wish this year is not for a perfect Christmas…it is simply to feel gratitude and appreciation for all we have right now.
This festive season, I want you to sing, laugh, reminisce, cry (if you have to), then sing some more and do it all around a full table of food, family and friends. Because that is all that matter.
Happy Holidays and see you for more coffee in 2019!
(die een is vir jou Mariette xxx)