Family is Essential
With each passing year, I am continually amazed at how easily memories are triggered. For some it’s a smell, others a familiar place, and yet some the simplest sound can instantly draw us into a moment in time.
For me, music has this uncanny ability to set off even the furthest recollection, carrying along with it a flurry of emotion.
My earliest memories of the “Hurt Family Christmas Eve,” include all ten cousins smooshed together at the kids’ table for dinner, followed by our annual nativity performance, and visit from a well-informed Santa.
My mom patiently assigned roles and prepared her little actors to portray the events leading up to the birth of Christ. I secretly hoped she would select me to play Mary or an angel as those roles required little beyond smiling and looking angelic.
Admittedly, my greatest fear was being chosen as the narrator, because the thought of reading in front of everyone terrified me to my core.
As I grew older, Santa’s presence also caused major anxiety. At what age do you stop sitting on this man’s lap? So, instead you stand awkwardly beside the chair for the photo-op (just in case this was required to receive your gift). A nonchalant attitude covered my expression as I tried to establish my “cool” status among the older cousins.
Although, I cannot speak for the others, the photographic evidence leads me to believe they too, shared my angst.
Of the treasured memories from those early years, one will forever be cemented into my mind. Although some details of that evening are fuzzy, I remember it to be one of the first gatherings where a few of the cousins were unable to attend.
My older cousin, Nick, had the evening shift as a radio DJ that Christmas Eve. Following all of our typical festivities, we huddled in my grandparent’s middle bedroom around the old stereo as his baritone voice crossed the airwaves.
During one of his spots, he called out a special tribute to our Mamaw, dedicating the upcoming song to her. Everyone was so excited and guessed perhaps he had selected one of her favorites, Silver Bells or White Christmas - only to be surprised as the song began.
Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer…
I whipped my head around to see her reaction, hoping she had not been offended by his choice. But to my surprise, pure joy filled her face.
To this day, I can still hear her laughter echoing off the walls.
More than twenty years have come and gone since the loved ones that initiated the Hurt Family Christmas traditions have passed. While our celebrations may look different; the love, connection, and bond remain unaffected.
Each Christmas as I hear the familiar strains of that silly song, tears flood my eyes, and I’m suddenly a teenager; surrounded by loved ones and a precious lady who taught me how to find joy in every moment.
If this year has taught me nothing more than this simple lesson, I will be forever grateful…Time with Family is Essential!
We are only guaranteed this present moment. Therefore, we must spend each one wisely, showing appreciation, love, and thankfulness for the abundant blessings upon which we have been given.