Pieces Falling

Throughout the month of December, as exhausting as my daily commute could be, I appreciated the silence on days I drove to or from work alone.

On other days, I was accompanied by Meghan and Emily, and those drives were precious as well. The drive provided a time to chat with no distractions. For nearly an hour, I was their captive audience, or they were mine.

One day I told them, “A parent asked me today, ‘What are you doing about Christmas?’ At first, I thought she was asking what are we doing for Christmas, but then I realized she was asking whether we are celebrating Christmas at all.”

“What did you say?” asked Meghan.

“I said no matter what, Jesus was born and that is always worth celebrating.”

“What are we doing?” inquired Emily.

“Well, on Sunday, Herb is going to take us to pick up a tree. Then we can decorate. We also have some interesting invitations, plus Cousin Jeremy’s wedding is right after Christmas.” I paused, then added, “But I’ve been meaning to ask you both about this. I want us to think about what we want to keep the same and what we want to change.”

“What do you think about us doing ‘Dad’ gifts?” said Meghan.

“You mean the kind of gifts Dad would have bought each of us?” chuckled Emily. “Like his yearly gift to Mom of panty hose?”

“Exactly! Or the tool belt he gave you, or the tackle box he bought for me.”

“That would be fun! I can buy a ‘Dad’ gift to you and Mom.”

“And me and Mom can do the same.”

“So, we’ll each get two presents that remind us of Dad.” Emily did the math.

“I like that idea.” I added. “Oh, before I forget, the firehouse party is next Sunday.”