Christmas, like so many notable days this year, is different. Despite over 6 million people clearing TSA in the past week, hundreds of millions of us have chosen to give our friends and family the gift of safety and health this year. We are together in heart, in Facetime, in Skype, in Zoom, but physically apart.
For a mom who is the original Christmas ho (ho ho), this year is especially difficult. My kids are all adults and spread out like melted butter on hot toast, but I am used to waking up on Christmas morning to have them all within my (to them, irritating) grasp.
This year called for a Facetime Christmas. Kendall tried to set the time early. I negotiated with the time terrorist and got it bumped back a half hour for those of us in the earlier time zone. Upon setting that time (730am MST), the rest of us immediately convened behind her back last night and agreed when she initiated the group FT, that we all would begin typing back some variant of "Sorry, can't answer, I'm pooping."
When the call came, I went with the more colorful "Riding the gravy train. Can you call Dad's phone?" One by one, she received an ASSault against her attempts to get us to answer the FT call. Culminating in this text, we were laughing to the point of tears.
Yes, we finally relented, but if Christmas had stopped right there, with no metaphorical gold or frankincense, the mirth would have been gift enough. Kendall got got. And in this family, we live to get Kendall.
There will never be a substitute for holding your children close - I know so many of you were dealing with the same feelings this morning - but we had a wonderful time taking turns opening presents across the (s)miles.
In between reveals, I found myself thinking about all the people across the country whose Christmas day has been made so very much brighter because of your efforts with Yes, Virginia. This year was exceptional - we purchased over $2,000 in gift cards for groceries and needed personal items. Santa delivered hundreds of dollars in gifts to households that without your efforts would have been passed by the sleigh. Clothes, toys, boots, shoes, books - lots and lots of books. Stuffed animals galore for cuddling, soft comforters for staying warm at night. You paid over $700 in utility bills insuring homes have electricity or gas today. So many families will have a real feast today because of you.
In short, you made a profound difference for so many people.
That is always the greatest gift I receive each year. For 12 years you have all rallied and donated and cared. You have made elfing efforts possible, touching people who have never heard of our little collective, but now who will never forget. Elfing is tough and time consuming and as heartbreaking as it is heart lifting - especially so this year as we were allowed into the final days of Rachael who left this world far too early. I did receive a picture of her and her precious daughter on her final day (not something I am able to share for privacy reasons) and want you to know that your blanket was front and center providing warmth and comfort and love from strangers who helped insure Rachael left this world knowing that what I always cling to is true - The good people outnumber the bad, the bad just get all the attention.
We all know the reality of our world, our country. People are hungry, people are unemployed, our government continues to play games with our lives, and 337,845 families woke up today missing someone lost to COVID. But my wish for you today, no matter how much you are missing them and having to settle for Facetimes and Zooms with your loved ones, is that you find the merry and the bright - even if they are only the flickers of light on your trees - and know that you matter, that I see you, and that my world - and the world of so many families you touched - is immeasurably brighter because you are in it.
Love to you all,
Linda
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