This first week of celebrating an empty nest Christmas causes me to pause and reflect on what I’ve come to treasure at this stage in life.
As I recover from my binge snacking, movie watching, and napping on Christmas day, I’m happily reviewing the pictures we took while we were together. No matter what people may say about that ‘perfect’ gift. No present under the tree is as precious as family and getting together for hugs, stories, and cheer.
Gone are the days where our girls are asking for Barbie dolls and toys. They’re excited now for big girl toys to fill their own homes. Pots took on a new meaning in the form of Crock and Instant.
And…it is fun to learn from them. So that’s what a Moscow Mule tastes like. Plus, if you take them shopping on Black Friday, let them pick out what they want, they are just as surprised and happy about the gifts they open on Christmas. No hassle return policy at its finest.
Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age. – Booth Tarkington
Cherish your human connections – your relationships with friends and family. – Barbara Bush
I’m so happy we took the time to capture moments. Last year, I didn’t want to with my demarcation line shining brightly at the top of my head. Thankfully, I’ll be able to replace the one we framed with a new one from this year!
Yes, take pictures – tons of them! You’ll never regret doing so. It may seem like a hassle to gather together to capture the moment, but it is just as much a treasure as the actual photo. Looking at the moments in between each chosen shot brings a smile to my face as I remember the day and the laughter we shared.
Cherish your visions and your dreams as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements. – Napoleon Hill
The best gifts are those we not only cherish but put to use. – Les Brown
Let us tenderly and kindly cherish, therefore, the means of knowledge. Let us dare to read, think, speak and write. – John Adams
If you’re entering into empty nest mode, don’t ever stop recording your family’s stories – capture them in words, pictures, and memories to cherish!
Beautiful, happy family, Shelley. It is so true that family, friends…people come before anything in a box or wrapped with a bow. Glad you were able to spend quality time together.
Thank you, Mary! I’m so fortunate to have wonderful people in my family and friends who are near (and in cyberspace like you) to fill my life with joy! Hope you, too, had quality time with loved ones!