Opinion : Merry Christmas

It's relatively quiet the last day before Christmas at the Close household. A rare occurrence.

A couple of the granddaughters are all snuggled in watching a movie with one aunt while another aunt is rocking the third one.

Dean is outside tangling with Houdini, the dog that refuses to leave her bed in her dog house, AND to stay on her chain. As a protest she got loose last night and then proceeded to eat her collar, I think she's trying to tell us something.

The cats are fed, chickens taken care of and the eggs are collected.

Today it seems the town is anticipating the arrival of Christmas Day as well. The email is very quiet today.

The only thing missing is a good dusting of snow.

Our family has so much to be thankful for this year. I can't think of one area that isn't going well.

For some of our friends it's one of those years that it is not going to be an easy one. We've had years like that. It's a time where you simply observe the holiday but there isn't the joy that used to be there.

We've spent Christmas in hospitals before. While the staff is kind, and they do all they can, it's still not “Christmas”. We've sat at a bedside with tears running down our face. Those are the hard but memorable years.

For others it's a time to remember family that is now gone from us. Probably one of the hardest things to do. This year I searched for a pecan log. One of those things that my dad enjoyed, so in an attempt to observe that tradition, I finally located one.

For these families, Christmas is a grim reminder of the way things used to be.

For some of our friends they are facing a slight bit of closure that while not a celebration of sorts, it with make them able to continue in this life with a bit of satisfaction.

For some, they are rejoicing at the mending of a relationship.

For a little child it's a time of anticipation of the presents that are nestled under the tree, and an end to the Elf sitting on the shelf.

For all of you, whatever stage you find yourself, if it's a bad year, know that there are friends around you that are hurting along with you, and wishing they could make it better for you, don't shut them out.

For some facing Christmas at the side of a loved one that may or may not know you are there, and you see the decorations through tears, take the time you need, there will be other Christmases, but this is a moment you won't have again.

For the children and those of us who find ourselves in a good place, take a moment to look around at the family and friends and forget the selfie, take a moment to let these moments soak deep into your soul. These are the moments that make the hard times easier to bear.

From our house, to yours, we wish each of you the very best Christmas. May each of you have a time of joy that will last throughout the coming year.