Peggy, I am with you.  It did not feel like Christmas even with snow on the ground and a nip in the air.  I love the Christmas season, the smells, the memories, the greetings, the family gathered around, the Christmas story, carols being sung.
 
This year seemed almost overshadowed by something.  I thought it was due to the fact we no longer have young children around our tree.  The grandchildren who were here are teenagers.  My children are all adults and married.  Then I thought maybe it was because of those who were missing - my parents, grandparents, etc.  Or maybe we are just getting older and less inclined to want to celebrate with a tree and the trimmings.
 
Then I read your letter today.
 
We had a good Christmas.  We read the Christmas story, we sang carols, we laughed and joked as a family and we loved each other.  Several of us were ill with colds, me with pneumonia but we enjoyed to fellowship and season of the year.
 
It just was not the same this year and I can't put my finger on it.  Those who are missing have been missing for several years.  The children have been grown for several years.  I am not so old as to have lost the wonder of the Christmas story.
 
I believe we are all longing for Heaven and Home even if most do not recognize the longing for what it is.
 
It was Christmas and it was celebrated much the same as Christmases past but it was different.
 
My daughters and I did not cook like we have in Christmas past.  For some reason preparing all the rich and calorie filled cakes, cookies and candies didn't seem to take a priority this year.
 
It was Christmas but it was different.