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Christmas Tradition (forgiving the father).

christmas eve No not that Father (You notice I didn't capitalize "father" in the title.) But my real flesh and blood father. We haven't been very close for many years, mainly because he hasn't shown much interest in my children and that is very, very disappointing to me. Now that my children are 20, 18, and 17 it is a little late to develop that grandpa - grandchild relationship but it isn't too late for me to forgive my father for whatever his reasons were for choosing not to get close to my three awesome sons.

While I am mad at my Dad about his actions (or lack thereof) towards me and my immediate family I am also proud of him, especially this time of year. Every year for the last 8 years he has fed all the police officers or city officials who get called in to work on Christmas day in his town (Lansing Michigan). There is a community room that he is allowed to use for the day and from 5:00 o'clock Christmas eve til about noon on Christmas day he has comfort food that he prepares for any and all officers who have to w banquet ork on Christmas.

I talked with him a couple of days ago and he is afraid he is too old to stay up all night this year, and the gentleman who helped him last year is not available. So...... I offered my services, it will take me away from my family on Christmas eve, my dad lives a police n hour away and I would have to leave him after I help him make breakfast for the officers so I could get home at a reasonable hour (8 or 8:30AM) so I could spend Christmas day with my family.

Dad served over over 40 officers and city officials last year including a pest control guy who got called out Christmas day, while I am a little uncomfortable not being with my immediate family Christmas eve, I am excited to be a part of what my father has created as a tradition in his town, and be able to help him carry it on.

What are your family Christmas traditions?

Posted by John Stauffer on 12/20/2007 06:07 PM

Comments (6)

family, christmas, sharing, tradition, community

6 Comments on Christmas Tradition (forgiving the father).

John ~ I think it's wonderful that you're helping your dad. Life is all about forgiveness and making the best out of the circumstances in which we find ourselves.

As far as traditions, this might sound sad, but my family and I really don't have any long-standing traditions. We do, however, all try to get together for the holidays and have dinner, which I really enjoy. (My mom is a fantastic cook!)

Happy Holidays to you and your family!

12/20/2007 06:28 PM

by Darleen McCullen, Broker-Raleigh, NC Real Estate (Keller Williams Realty - www.darleenmc.com)

Darleen - Thanks for the kind words, and you know it is never too late to start a "tradition."

12/20/2007 06:46 PM

by John Stauffer MBA, E-pro,CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

John, It's wonderful that you are helping your father but sad you will be away from your family. Our traditions are always to celebrate both Christmas Eve and Christmas....food and visiting and playing cards :) Happy Holidays to you and wishing you a wonderful 2008!

12/21/2007 06:46 PM

by Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York (Feng Shui Long Island & New York City)

That's a beautiful story of love and forgiveness. You know, relationships can't always be on our terms, and we have to nurture whatever we do have.

Our holday traditions have been bending for the past dozen years to accommodate whatever time my grandson can be with his dad - not always the same each year. But one constant we have is for everyone in the family to go to my mother's for Christmas brunch, which turns into hanging out together all day. This will be the third year that my brother and his wife have taken on the brunch, since my mom is now in an assisted living facility near his house. I wouldn't know what to do if I had to stay at my house on Christmas Day!

12/22/2007 07:10 PM

by Margaret Woda, Maryland Real Estate (RE/MAX VISION)

Margaret - thank you for sharing, for most of us Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas without family. I was remembering Christmas's past this morning and the two lonliest I ever had was when I was in Germany (serving our country wearing the O.D. Green) and couldn't be with family.

P.S. I was unable to spend Christmas eve helping my father I came down with the flu 2 days ago and have spent most of the time in bed, a City councilman stepped up and spent the nigth with him serving the police officers meals thru Christmas eve and Christmas day. (with good intentions things have a way of working themselves out.)

12/25/2007 08:08 AM

by John Stauffer MBA, E-pro,CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES

John,

Forgiveness is why the Father sent his Son to us this day......I hope all the strides you take to keep your life healthy and on track continue.....Merry Christmas.

12/25/2007 08:22 AM

by Dan Brudnok - Realtor, e-PRO, ABR, CSP - Chester County RE Professional (Keller Williams - Exton - PA License Number #RS225179L )

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