Saturday, December 19, 2020

The good news: the three young adults we have raised are caring, compassionate, and cautious. The bad news: the three young adults we have raised are caring, compassionate, and cautious. In other words, two of the three young adults–one who lives in Nashville and one who lives in Richmond–are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus and have made the decision to not travel to our home for Christmas. Husband and I are right on the cusp of the more-vulnerable demographic, so yes, our children want to protect us as much as possible.

I can live with that decision, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it, much less be happy about it. We considered options (like having all of us tested), but none were feasible enough or foolproof enough.

Youngest Son has been living with us since the pandemic began, and we are so grateful to have him here, especially now. I do believe that we are all grieving the loss of our fun-filled, tradition-resplendent family Christmas, but Youngest Son is probably grieving the most, in his own way. Husband and I have both not “been home” for Christmas for various reasons (blizzards, illness, pregnancy, etc.) but we have never ever had a Christmas with one of the children missing. I was losing some sleep over this, until I decided to be pragmatic and not emotional.

I do feel better now. Cookies help. Cocktails help. Greetings from friends help. Zoom meetings with family help.

Watching the news does not help. Reading social media updates does not help. Thinking of my mom in the nursing home does not help.

Making new traditions will help. The vaccine will help. Sending a few more contributions to charities will help. Being able to Zoom during the main holiday meals will help. Knowing that our Nashville boy and Richmond girl have special significant others with them will help.

I am not cancelling Christmas. I am baking, cooking, decorating, wrapping, playing carols, and watching holiday movies. And I am appreciating all my blessings, every one.

Today’s drink is mostly bitter, yet totally palatable. There is an underlying sweetness.

In a low glass, combine 1 ounce well-chilled espresso (or strong cold-brewed coffee) with one ounce Jägermeister. Stir gently and add ice. Serve with chocolate-covered coffee beans, or with Christmas cookies.