I hope everyone managed at least a smidgen of comfort and joy during their holiday festivities. As with most families, Jim and I drastically limited our time gathering with our local kids and grandkids.

I just couldn’t bring myself to have no contact with them when they’re mere miles away, but we did limit our time together as a family. Jim and I set a max of one hour for exchanging gifts with Andrea’s family on Christmas Eve and a max for the same on Christmas Day with Brianna’s family. No combined gathering, no meal together either place.

Needless to say, there were tears as Jim and I drove home, both times.

I am grateful, though, that on Christmas Eve we had a few minutes to visit with Tyler who is home from boot camp and on Christmas Day we enjoyed short snuggles with Robert who experienced his first Christmas (time with Benjamin and James was equally cherished, as well). That’s more together time than many grandmothers and others had.

Next year will be better. It must.