A couple of days ago I made a day trip to see my family for Christmas. It was a familiar drive across the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I have probably made this trip over the Allegheny Mountains from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh more than fifty times. With the exception of the continued sprawl from the urban beginning and end points, not much changes along this route. It seems like the Mail Pouch barn and Jean Bonnet Tavern have been there ever since the glacial melt scoured out the expansive basin of the Susquehanna River.
My first stop was to catch up with my sister in the empty parking lot of a steakhouse in Bedford. It would give us our first chance to see each other in over a year. We greeted and departed each other from a safe distance with air hugs. Although the sentiment was real, it really did not provide that reassuring connection of an authentic embrace. Unfortunately one of the best ways we can show each other how much they are loved these days is to protect each other from ourselves. No wonder so many are struggling emotionally during this pandemic.
I arrived at my parents place a few hours later. With the lower part of our faces covered with the requisite masks, I could see my parents happiness to see me in their eyes. Once again, not as comforting as a hug, but far better than the elbow bumps that we exchanged.
My brother took time out of his holiday errands to stop by to see me at my parents place. It had also been over a year since I last saw him at my niece’s wedding. He had lost weight but was looking as GQ as ever in his Polo holiday sweater. We both share an inherited love for everything Christmas.
We all caught up on the latest happenings with family. After listening to some classic Christmas carols from Tony Bennett and Nat Cole, our visit was over way too soon. As tears welled up in my mother’s eyes, I was back in the car for the return trip. Somehow we were all able to get together for a few hours, albeit out of sequence and physically separated.
My son and his girlfriend safely made their way down to North Carolina to spend Christmas with her family. My wife and I are spoiled having them live near us. We get to share their company regularly throughout the year. Unfortunately that does not fill the quiet of not having a full house for the holiday. They will be sorely missed.
I can’t say that my wife and I will be spending the holiday alone for the first time in 31 years. Our permanent, four-legged residents Enzo and Murphy will be sure to keep things exciting. I am also sure that Facetime will suffice to close some of the distance between our loved ones.
At this time when it would be very easy to focus on what is missing, we are going to embrace what we do have. More importantly, it is a perfect time to reflect on why we celebrate this day in the first place.
Somehow the Dali-inspired setting of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” does not feel so surreal today. In fact, over fifty years ago Dr. Seuss prescribed the perfect medicine to treat this pandemic-mutated holiday.
Welcome Christmas, bring your cheer
Cheer to all Whos far and near
Christmas Day is in our grasp
So long as we have hands to clasp
Christmas Day will always be
Just as long as we have we
Welcome Christmas, while we stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand.
