A Christmas Without Photos

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Yesterday started out like any other day. The difference was that it was our day for my children to come celebrate Christmas with us. I rose early to set out everything that I would need to put the finishing touches on the day. At 11:00, I drove to town to pick my Mother up. We were off to the supermarkets in search of markdown pies. The rain was coming down pretty steadily so I dropped Mother off in front of the entrance of Price Chopper. After locating a spot to park the car I grabbed my trusty umbrella and headed inside. Much to our dismay, there were no markdown pies to be had. All the pastries were still marked at full-price. We decided to give Hannaford a try. The rain was still coming down, but it did not dampen our spirits. Bing Crosby was crooning away, singing for a White Christmas. Once again I dropped Mom off at the entrance and found a nearby parking place. With umbrella in hand I too found my way inside. Mother had already found the pie section. They were marked 99 cents for the small ones and $1.99 for the large. She picked out a pecan, pumpkin and Dutch apple. There would be dessert for dinner afterall! We finished up the shopping and headed home. Once home I turned on the Christmas music. Hubby turned on the Christmas tree lights. The house was filled with good spirits. My daughter Celisa and our friend Gregg arrived at 2:00. Shortly after, my daughter Jessica and my grandson Troy arrived. My son Mark called to say that Mark III was running a fever and I advised them to stay home with the babies. They said that Kyra and Dominic would still be coming over. They had stayed at their grandparents and would be dropped off at about 2:30. Jessica and Troy opened their stocking gifts. Troy spied the cookie platter and asked to have a cookie or two. Because the turkey would not be ready until 4:30, we allowed him to have a couple of treats. The adults had a few too. When Kyra and Dominic arrived and finished opening their stockings we began opening the gifts that were under the tree. Kyra and Dominic were coughing quite a bit. I gave them some cough syrup to quiet their coughs. They looked pale and told me that they really didn't feel well. After they finished opening their gifts my daughter Jessica drove them back to their grandparents. Troy wanted to play at his computer. While he played his games, the adults chattered away. My place was in the kitchen. Gregg joined me to help with the preparation. I always accept help. You could hear the bellies rumble from hunger pangs. They would have ate the turkey raw if I let them. Once the turkey was removed from the pan I began making the gravy. Hubby, who isn't the most skilled in turkey carving, began hacking at the bird. It was mutilated. My daughter was disappointed that she didn't get her drumstick. She did get the meat, but no bone to hold on to. When I heard the battle of the bird going on behind my back I yelled to Gregg to take over the carving. Grace was offered by my daughter Jessica. I cried. Each person grabbed a plate and served themselves from the buffet style set-up. Most everyone sat at the long folding table that we set-up in the living room. There was not enough room for me. I sat at the table in the kitchen. I enjoyed this immensely as I could view my family and watch them enjoy the meal I had prepared for them. Following dinner we broke out our discount pies. The pumpkin and pecan were the only two that we ate. Everyone commented on the fact that the pies were nothing compared to my homemade pies. Jessica rounded up the gifts for Mark, Bev and the babies. After she brought my Mother home, she delivered the gifts to my son and his family. Celisa and Gregg stayed until 11:00. We visited and played games. Today, around an hour ago, I came to realize that we did not have one photo of the festivities. The only memories that we will have are those that are embedded in our minds. Sometimes they are the best, but still, it leaves me feeling a little bit empty inside. This was the first Christmas without photos.