I’ll Be Home For Christmas; Unfortunately!

They say that home is where the heart is; well in that case, I hope i’ll be ‘home’ for Christmas. This is a saying that is tossed around by many, but what do we really mean when we say that we will be home? As an army wife, I definitely look forward to my other half being with the family at Christmas time. Maybe then most people don’t want to be away from their family, working, out of town or otherwise engaged elsewhere.

For me, being ‘home for Christmas’ means being at my grandma’s house as opposed to mine. If I am not going to be able to do that, I don’t really feel ‘home’; well unless she’s coming over and baking her world famous Christmas cake and pudding. That’s another part of the problem. See, my grandmother had a stroke a couple years ago and has subsequently not been able to get up and about as she pleases, though she’s doing very well.

Luckily, she raised us well, which means that almost all her children and a few grandchildren have learned her skill and are trying to perfect our art. But you know what they say about grandma’s cooking, right? She just seems to have something else which she uses and we just can’t seem to catch that taste or that exact recipe!

For me, this is a bit déjà vu, although I am grateful that at her age (85), my grandmother who was written off by doctors for dead is out of diapers, walking again and has regained her speech and other limb movements! See, my other (paternal) grandmother died when I was only eight years old and too young to understand death. I was also too young to have been given her famous pimento liqueur recipe which was a staple part of her Christmas provisions! But young as I was, I remember what being at her home was like during Christmas time; a blissful occurrence.

I’m eternally grateful for having known these two extraordinary women and am saddened by the fact that both grandfathers died before I was born; something that troubled me as a child. Nonetheless, family means the world to me and there is nowhere we gather better as a family than at grandma’s house. Additionally, there is nowhere I would rather be and call being 'home for Christmas' than grandma's house.

We are a family of last minute planners, so I am still waiting with bated breath to hear of some excitement that is being planned by an aunt, uncle or parent, which will see us all celebrating at home. There is also another problem in this regard, however; in-laws. See, we are no longer the little children, but married adults with our own extended family and both families like to have everyone together at Christmas time. What this means is that both families will most likely expect us to be at their home for Christmas; I am only one person.

So while I am here wanting to be at grandma’s with the extended family, my hubby’s extended family are also likely to be planning something grand; thank goodness he's not as fussy as I am. Now if your family is anything like mine, you’ll know that this is a potential Meet The Fockers dilemma! If we choose one family, the other is going to be upset way into the summer and possibly until next Christmas when they give us a chance to 'redeem' ourselves! That is a real dilemma which we have faced in the past and I wouldn’t even start on the friends who are going to be inviting us over!

So as you can see, upon weighing the pros and cons, I will most likely be home (my home) for Christmas, unfortunately; if even for peace to reign. My husband is usually at work on Christmas Day anyway, if even for part of the day. This means that I will most likely also be required to do the chef thing and the delivery thereafter for him and his colleagues alike. How exciting!

I am never one to complain (much) so whatever happens, I will make the best use of it. However, I know that my situation isn’t unique to me and therefore extend a virtual hug to all who can relate to my dilemma. Ok, its not all that bad, but I would still prefer to be at grandma's home for Christmas. Happy holidays.