fam·i·ly

1: a group of individuals living under one roof and usually under one head;                2 a: a group of persons of common ancestry;   b: a people or group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common tribe                                                                        3 a: a group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation

However you define it, there's no doubt that our family defines much about us, including our Christmas celebration.

When my husband and I were first married, we'd travel back to Virginia to spend Christmas with our families. This meant juggling the entire three days and spreading our time between three sets of parents, two sets of grandparents, one brother and sister-in-law and avoiding, at all costs, certain people on both sides of my family.

Many years later, it is our privildege to host much of our families' celebration.

(2007 December Daily Album)

Much has changed since those early Christmases. My mom has been gone for way too many years. My mother-in-law has Alzheimer's, and I wonder if this is the last Christmas she'll remember us. My sons are older, and it won't be long before "Christmas vacation" turns into "college break" + short visits between times with friends and then back to college for the next semester.

Perhaps because time marches on, perhaps in spite of that fact, I cherish my Christmas time with my family. I've learned all too well that those who are here this year may not be next. And even if they are, time will have painted them a new face, or in a different place, or new priorities. I've even learned to appreciate some of those family members I avoided...at least until the pumpkin pie is served.

What is your family togetherness story this year? Are you in a place of new beginnings, like marriage or the birth of a new family member? Are you transitory, maybe with a move or new job? Or will there be an empty spot at the dinner table this year?

When telling your story today, think about:

• Where your family will gather. Does this place hold special significance for you or other members of your family?
• Does your family have a matriarch or partriarch? If so, consider telling their story. Or, ask them to tell it and record it in your album in their own words, or in interview format, or in your words.
• Consider taking a photo today of where your family will gather. If that's not possible, take a photo of where your family gathers in your home - to share meals, open gifts, family activities, etc.
• Set your camera on timer mode and get in the photo with your family doing every day kind of stuff together.

Until tomorrow, group hugs~