Christmas 2022

After being separated for two years due to the pandemic and political divisiveness, a good segment of my family joined in celebrating Christmas Eve in person. Some believe the vaccine is effective, while others don’t. Some praise Presidents Obama and Biden, while others think President Trump was on the path to saving the country. Climate changers, and climate deniers – we all got together. 


The last two years have been painful as we were viciously torn apart.

However, for reasons I struggle to articulate, Christmas Eve was wonderful. Six children under six years old played together for the first time under their parents’ unacknowledged peace agreement. A high schooler and two college kids suppressed smiles while pretending they were reluctant to be there. Surprisingly no one brought up a topic that would trigger their opponents. By this time, everyone had chosen their perspectives, remained steadfast in their camps, and silently agreed to disagree.


There was PEACE.  

No longer divided, the unvaccinated played and mingled with the vaccinated. Each individual was secure in the knowledge their health care choices were adequate. We shared what was good in our lives without attempting to solve global problems.
 
There was HOPE.
 
The display of pictures of my parents, who left this earth years ago, were gentle reminders that are parents valued family above all else. They often demonstrated this ideal by putting family harmony first and themselves second in the wake of painful disagreements or life challenges. 
 
There was LOVE. 
 
After two years of attacks, judgments, and arguments, we reunited to begin anew, as if we had never separated. We chose to BELIEVE the best in each other.
 
Christmas 2022 provided the gift of allowing us to live the Christmas story.
 
I am GRATEFUL.