Joy of Family

The joy of visiting family over the holidays begins in the planning stages, with the decisions on what type of travel and how much time will be needed for the visit. It always adds adventure to the holiday trip if you leave early in the morning, waking up when it is still dark and dewy, with your suitcase already packed from the night before. There are pillows and blankets to snuggle up with in the car to make the upcoming trip seem like a camp out. The holiday adventure continues when you are traveling on the highway with the fun of car games and the passing scenery. The ultimate joy comes from visiting the family you see at holiday time.

Long distance holiday visits that are taken by plane are just as joyful as a car trip. The experience of being in an airport leaves a lasting impression on everyone. The parents are harried by the restraints and the children are giddy with anticipation about the airplane ride. The different people and cultures encountered in your air travel journey awaken the desire to travel in everyone. Having the relatives greet you when you arrive overwhelms you with feelings of joy and love. After reaching your destination, the best part of the trip begins with the stories of your parents and grandparents in their youth. These tales enlighten the heart as we see them at a different stage through the memories of others.

Aromas hanging in the air of home baked goodies enhance the joyful holiday visit with the family. The special dishes of a great grandmother thrill the palate, while the smell of Grandpa’s cigars intoxicates the senses. With the table decoratively set, the final memory is the holding of hands as the family blessing is said.