Tradition

It is a tradition in our family: on Christmas Eve, my brother D and I (and, in years past, my father) would go up to my sister E's place. There, we would have a small feast (E's husband is quite the cook), perhaps watch a movie ("The Bishop's Wife" is a favorite), and listen to seasonal music. Afterwards, E would give us our stockings (candy, crackers, fruit, perhaps a stocking-stuffer toy) and we would return to D's place. It's one of the highlights of the season for me.

This year, of course, I couldn't attend, but E did what she could, sending me a package containing my stocking, a Christmas present, and a birthday present (since the latter is only a week and a half later). The fruit had to be replaced with dried fruit. I just finished the packet of dried tangerine, which was quite tasty.

My Christmas will be quiet and solitary, but it's good to be remembered by loved ones.