Samantha King

I feel that every Christmas is memorable in its own way

Samantha, her daughter Leah and her mother Alberta.

BY SAMANTHA KING (Mother)

I am not huge into traditions, but of course some of them have formed over the years naturally. For me, as long as the holidays are filled with quality time, bonding experiences and lots of laughter, I consider it a blessed holiday.

One of the most memorable Christmas’ of all time would have to be the year 2016. My daughter Leah had graduated from college that December, and we planned a family trip to New York City during Christmas to celebrate her accomplishment! NYC is pretty magical, during Christmas. Christmas 2016 wasn’t about gifts; it was about the experience of waking up in New York City together on Christmas morning and spending time together with family and making memories that we would always cherish.

Christmas is definitely looking a little different from normal this year. Our group will be much smaller than normal. We all know that plans can change instantly if someone feels under the weather, health is a priority over seeing each other in person. The initial plan is that my daughter Leah will still fly home for Christmas. My mom will still come over for Christmas breakfast, but it limits our hugs and physical closeness.

For the past few years, we have had Christmas Eve with family and friends, I will miss the chaos of having so many people gathered together, playing games, laughing, singing karaoke or whatever else may take place that day and night.

As a mother, spending time with your children, no matter what their age, always puts joy in your heart. When my daughter comes home for Christmas, my heart will be so happy, to spend time with her and also for her and her brother to spend time together. Also, my mom spending time with her grandchildren adds to that joy.

I do my best to practice gratitude every day; we have so much to be thankful for. I am so thankful my family is healthy, and we all have so much love to share with each other. We are all taking one day at a time to get through these crazy times, and we will get through it by leaning on one another.

Words of Wisdom for mothers and daughter is to keep the line of communication open at all times. Make each other a priority! Although, we all may not be able to spend time together in person, make those phone calls, schedule those video chats. Laughing together is “so good” for the soul! Make memories together as best you can right now, knowing this too shall pass!