Recently we were asked, "How do you handle holidays?" Honestly? Sometimes good and sometimes bad... That's the truth. But there are ways to handle the holidays when everything is wrapped around family and children.
One thing Lawrence says is "Cherish the gifts you have, don't dwell on the things you don't have. Especially, cherish your marriage." So many couples let this tear it apart. But we have learned to turn to each other more. Yes we still cry and hurt, but you are not alone. As special as children are and should be, they grow up and move away, having lives of their own - but you have your spouse for the rest of your life. Easier said than done, I know...
We are blessed with very close family and friends who let us 'borrow' their children. I occasionally go and pick up my friend's daughter from the bus stop and we go have 'our day', usually involving ice cream and a toy store, or the park.
For holidays, we go over and make Christmas cookies at our friend's house (they have 5 kids). Our house was so quiet last year, I started to get depressed and made the choice to head it off at the pass.... I called our friend and asked "Can we borrow your family?" "Sure. What are we doing?" "We want to make gingerbread houses with your kids!" And it was an amazing evening!!!!!
Even last week Lawrence told me he wanted to carve a pumpkin this year. I peaked my head around the corner from the kitchen and asked him "Do you want to carve pumpkins with the kids?" His face lit up and this big smile came over him "YES!!!" "OK, I'll give her a call!"
Not everyone has that available to them - but ways to get involved in your community are also there. Our county has a Community Dinner for Thanksgiving and Christmas. A widowed father we know goes and volunteers all day so he is not home alone. He said it's the best thing he has done in years.
There are ways, but the most important thing is to not be alone, most times that is a choice we make.
