John,

Christmas is coming up in a few more days, and I’m in a pensive mood as I often am around this time of year. I’m happy to be celebrating another holiday season with my family, but sad to be missing my son Jordan for the ninth Christmas in a row. Christmas was always his favorite holiday growing up. 

And since this year is such a challenging holiday season – many folks are canceling plans, unable to travel to see their families, or lost a loved one this year – I wanted to share a few cherished memories of past holidays with you.

When Jordan got old enough to really get into Christmas (and even after he figured out the entire Santa thing), he was always trying to sneak around the house to figure out what I had got him that year, and where I was hiding them. I would always find him snooping around my closet or the garage, trying to see if he could find out what he was getting early.

One year when he was ready for a bike without training wheels, I remember buying a bike from Sears. Trying to figure out where to hide a bike was going to be a huge hassle, so luckily I was able to convince a girlfriend in the neighborhood to hold on to the bike for me at her house. I remember on that Christmas, Jordan was absolutely stunned when he unwrapped the bike. "MOM! Where the heck did you hide this thing?"

Another year, I got Jordan the first pair of rollerblades he had ever owned – after years in skates at the roller rink. I will never forget Jordan out in the garage with his elf hat and his green long johns, skating round and round in circles. 

He was so excited that he wouldn’t take those rollerblades off all day – in the house, at the kitchen table, going up and down stairs – he kept them glued to his feet like they were cemented on. (I think he actually went to bed in them). 

Every Christmas I had with Jordan was so special. John, here's a picture from the last Christmas we got to celebrate together:

However you’re celebrating the holidays this year, I hope you can still connect (in-person or virtually) with family, enjoy a few days off, and recharge for the year ahead.

All my love,

Lucy