Holiday Traditions Make for Joyous Memories

It is, indeed, the most wonderful time of year. With a grateful heart for all that you do for DAR, I wish you joy and peace as you gather with family and friends to celebrate the holiday season, warmed by memories and aglow with hope for a new year with limitless potential.  

As I reflect on the traditions of this festive time of year, I thought that I would share a few photos of Christmases past. Growing up in Troy, New York, my mother always made sure that we had new outfits (often matching) for our annual holiday card – but getting five of us to stand still AND smile was always a perennial struggle. I’m the proverbial middle child – one of four girls. 

Christmas morning brought the joy of opening our gifts. Our mother worked full-time as an executive secretary, so how she managed to do that, raise five children and also decorate/shop/wrap/clean/cook/hostess for Christmas remains one of my life’s great mysteries. Christmas morning at 2 Sunset Avenue was a spectacle to behold due to her, and I cherish the memories of both of my parents and what they sacrificed for our collective joy. (The years with the small silver Christmas tree, however, do raise doubts about some of their decorating choices.)

We are looking especially forward to welcoming home our oldest son, an Army Ranger who is currently stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado. For those of you who are, or have been, Blue Star Mothers, we know that our children’s safe return home is truly the greatest gift of any season. Please remember our men and women in uniform, particularly those who are deployed, at this time of year.

I know that you will fondly recall your own holiday traditions and memories in the weeks ahead, and I wish you all the best for a season filled with happiness, surrounded by those you love. ‘Tis the season to shine – and I wish you all that is merry and bright.