It Is What It Is

The holidays....

How does one make the holidays feel holiday-ish when so far away from home?

My motto: It is what it is.

Corollary motto: It is what you make it.

There are no shops loaded to the rafters with "stuff" we don't need, no cheesy elevator music playing the swing/jazz version of "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear", and no nativity scenes in public places to cause anyone's feelings to get bent out of shape. But we do have cinnamon sticks to simmer in water on the stove.

We don't have Santas in malls nor hay rides at sweet smelling tree farms, but we do have each other.

Over here, there are no Frosty or Grinch specials on local TV; no neighbors dropping by with fruitcakes and such. But we do have friends who celebrate with sincerity of heart- because the message is so precious and real to them.

We have our little fake tree that's all tattered and falling apart, all laden with red and gold. Underneath we have a large pile of beautiful gifts waiting to be opened- a stark reminder that we are remembered by loved ones that we long to be with each holiday season.

Candles are all over the house ready to be lit on Christmas Eve to remind us how the Light of the World came and stepped down into darkness- for you, and for me.

This year, we even get special company coming! Our oldest son's new girlfriend and her mother are making the long, long journey to spend a few days getting to know us. Another reminder that we have spent many Christmasses together (20!) and the fruits of our love are getting older and wiser, and on the verge of stepping out on their own- ready to start making their own holiday traditions.

There are no turkeys here, nor great big juicy hams to bake and carve. Cranberry sauce was bought and brought 2 years ago just for this week, as was the almond filling for our once a year bread. This year there will be no candied fruit; there is none in the city to be found. They only sell lamb by the entire leg. Bang goes that idea. But we do have beef. And mom sent some dried chilis last year, so Chili Colorado it will be. Fresh tortillas, homemade salsa. It is perfect. Growing up in California, we had tamales or Chili Colorado every year. A tradition resurrected.

Friday won't be taking us to our home fellowship where we would sing in our heart language familiar carols that we've known since birth. Instead we will go to the place our Father has sent us, and rejoice that He is the Creator of ALL cultures and loves ALL peoples- no matter if they have Asian eyes, red, black or green hair, short, tall, or fat. He has a Message to bring them all, and we are part of that.

Merry Christmas to All and May God Bless Us, Everyone,

Your SteppeSister