It’s easy to have our years run together. Heck, I can’t remember one year to the next who won the Super Bowl or Stanley Cup. Yet, it’s these little details that add joy and appreciation to our lives. Last year, I decided to write down everything about Christmas 2018 that meant so much to me. I’m so glad I did because I already forgot what the weather was like and what we ate on Christmas Eve. How can something so glorious as Christmas just start running together?

You see last year it snowed on Christmas Eve in Orchard Park and my sister Beth served a delicious dinner of lasagna, green salad and garlic bread. She also had the most beautiful live tree that was so wide that the shape made us laugh.

I remember thinking how few people host parties at their homes anymore. It’s over whelming. There are more and more folks who do not even attend one Holiday party. I really appreciate the company Christmas parties and find value in the good will it creates in the hearts of the employees. I know companies want to save money and are quick to eliminate the holiday party but I think that’s a mistake. We need to connect. I need to pay more attention to those who live alone.

I found a branch and hung up all the wonderful Christmas cards in black and white checkerboard ribbon.

Caroline got me started on the MacKenzie Childs nativity set.

I lead a group to the “It’s A Wonderful Life” festival in Seneca Falls, NY and remembered how George Bailey got the gift to see what becomes of Bedford Falls without all his good deeds over the years. Our actions have consequences. May we always do for others.

I love to celebrate the initiators out there. Thank you for opening your door to others.

We love celebrating Christmas day mass and singing out loud. We think of how our daughter Natalie is in Heaven on this most glorious day in the company of the baby Jesus.

Some of my favorite memories of December 2018 are:

1. Staying over night at The Jefferson Inn in Ellicottville, NY and praying the rosary for all the people who have ever stayed there. It was once a funeral home that descendants from my family owned. How cool to pray for others who have ever entered that home. It was snowy, festive, and we enjoyed a Donny & Marie concert at the Seneca Allegheny Casino. Who would have predicted Donny & Marie would retire their show?
2. My sister Anne Cronin shared a delicious molasses and ginger cookie recipe that spread like wild fire. The recipe came in so handy because my friend Patty O’Brien held an old fashioned cookie exchange party. The party was on a weekday in the middle of the week yet so many women came. It goes to show you how many are willing to take time away from the office and connect with something so old fashioned and fun.
3. I went down to Charlotte, NC to visit our daughter Caroline and we went to a Charlotte Hornets game. We were treated to a gorgeous Christmas Party at Delaine and Mark Meads house. Seeing all the Gumlak girls sparking so bright was wonderful. Darlene and I were best friends growing up. I love her friendship so much.
4. Evan bought over 50 pounds of sponge candy at Parkside.
5. Pam Strickland touched my heart when she rang our doorbell with a little batch of homemade Christmas cookies beautifully wrapped. She was making deliveries to neighbors and mostly to those she knew lived alone and were older. Wow. What a gesture.
6. Our nephew and his wife gave birth to their second son – baby Luke on December 16.
7. We celebrated my dads birthday with having mass said for him at St. Michaels followed by a family dinner. Always pray for souls of our loved ones and those forgotten.
8. Mary Lesa O’Connor invited a group of friends to a luncheon at the 20th Century Club with carefully prepared tea sandwiches pleasantly reminiscent of earlier times.
9. Mary Ellen Carocci hosted a Yankee Swap Christmas Party and when you are an interior decorator, just being in her house is a treat. Also, my friend Madonna Spitler had a small gathering for brunch at her house. The decorations were just delightful.
10. I took one of my favorite pictures of Rory our standard poodle. Humm, I think I just might design my own greeting cards and that will be my first.

What we do with our life is important. Its really important. It affects everyone else around us. I am so thankful for all the Christmases we spend together on this earth.

This is the season of Awe. Thank you God for the greatest story ever told. I cannot wait to honor the newborn King.

Merry Christmas and good tidings to all – Trish

PS – I’m also writing down the precious moments of this Christmas for my reflection next year. I am eternally grateful for another year with Evan at my side, the cherished Evan Jr and Caroline and now Christie, a new baby in 2020 and our puppy Oliver. May we always live in your grace doing your will dear Lord.

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