As we approach Christmas, I began thinking about years gone by. Ryan’s first Christmas was quite eventful. Erie was in the midst of the Blizzard of ‘93, and we were picking up my mother and driving to Uncle Joe’s house for Christmas dinner. Typically, it takes 45 minutes to get to his home – on this evening, it took one hour just to get to my mother’s home! There was no visibility, but we forged ahead in hopes that the weather would get better. By the time arrived, there were “No Travel” advisories on every TV station. Rather than risk driving off the road with a newborn baby, we turned around and drove home.

Since that first year, Ryan has experienced every kind of Christmas imaginable. However, there have always been some constants. When Ryan was just 3, I explained to him that, just as Jesus received 3 gifts from the Magi, he would as well.  So over the years he grew up knowing that there would be 3 gifts under the tree Christmas morning. This year his plans are for a golf pass, a ski pass and a water world pass. To be expected from someone who enjoys exercise!

We have been fortunate to spend this special day surrounded by family and friends, and Christmas eve always finds us at St Patrick’s with Aunt Jeanne. For Christmas day last year, we planned to have family over… that was until the Blizzard of 2017 hit Erie, PA with over 30 inches of snow! By noon, when I could not see 38th street from the house, I called my brother to say that it was far too dangerous to make the trip from Northeast to our house.

Ryan was thoroughly disappointed! This year, he has been watching the weather reports to make sure that a snowstorm is not going to happen. He is quite the party planner; he loves the ideas of people coming to his house, choosing what goodies to eat and drink, and most importantly being in charge! He is counting down the days until our get-together.

I am sure that our Christmas will be filled with much joy and happiness…I hope that yours is as well.