tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158760821753181416.post3042336218098407172..comments2023-08-17T10:13:38.810-03:00Comments on Just A Southern Girl: Holidays OverseasJust A Southern Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01911686519564796694noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158760821753181416.post-19385808244181288222016-01-15T18:51:09.655-03:002016-01-15T18:51:09.655-03:00After my mother died our Christmases changed a lot...After my mother died our Christmases changed a lot - and then my dad remarried & Mike's mother died & we're really at loose ends. It's hard. We don't really have any traditions of our own - we just go to NC & hang out with whoever is available. This year we had to stay in a hotel because my dad's wife isn't doing well. And we didn't decorate because we were going to be gone so much. I'm not complaining - we were on a cruise part of that time :)<br /><br />But I feel a real need to do something different with Christmas. Or just accept that it's not ever going to be as special as it used to be. Sigh.The Bughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07509037206264761261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158760821753181416.post-49255322803324244702016-01-09T23:25:39.001-03:002016-01-09T23:25:39.001-03:00Change is hard, especially when it comes to Christ...Change is hard, especially when it comes to Christmas traditions. I've had to get used to a few changes too, but nothing like all that you've dealt with. I know you didn't post this to be recognized, but it is a reminder of a little bit of what our missionaries give up to serve. Thank you.Marihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06289456727508305342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158760821753181416.post-55285635337308658592016-01-09T23:23:14.540-03:002016-01-09T23:23:14.540-03:00I agree with Rita! thank you!!!
the last two year...I agree with Rita! thank you!!!<br /><br />the last two years, we have actually celebrated Christmas in January..the only time we could get all our kids together. This year Alyssa couldn't get Christmas off so we moved it to the first week of January. We actually had Christmas in the afternoon on sunday after church. it was a little strange but wonderful and fun non the less!! sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16558961544260341038noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-158760821753181416.post-36963692188503222952016-01-09T12:30:58.549-03:002016-01-09T12:30:58.549-03:00Thank you, dear Kim, for sharing from your heart.
...Thank you, dear Kim, for sharing from your heart.<br />This is very helpful for remembering and understanding our international workers scattered abroad.<br />Thank you especially for "laying down your life" for the Kingdom of God. The best is yet to come--the heavenly reward.<br /><br />As for traditions and changes:<br />We used to ALL gather Christmas Eve, have a meal of artichokes (memories of Doulos life) and shrimp, then open one gift.<br />Those who could would spend the night.<br />And, of course, Christmas morning we would ALL be together, have a brunch of Sausage Souffle (Sam's 1st or 2nd grade teacher's recipe, still in his child handwriting) and baked oatmeal (your recipe!), and then the Christmas story and gift opening. A big meal mid afternoon and games and fellowship.<br />Of, course that has changed with the family growing and branching out. <br />We are blessed for now to have all our family close by, but it is increasingly difficult to ALL gather together.<br />Fewer and simpler decorations, another change.<br />We still haven't gotten away from generous gift-giving, try as we may.<br />But we have lost all interest or excitement over receiving gifts ourselves.<br />Church services have taken on more importance. Diane also enjoys going to the Thanksgiving Eve and Christmas Eve services at our church.riTa Kochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15306804982791531203noreply@blogger.com