Christmas with the Kranks

Ross & Andrew, 1970

For those of you who've read John Grisham's Skipping Christmas, you'll recognize the Kranks. They decided to opt out of the Christmas frenzy (and some might say spirit). Well, we're not completely skipping Christmas, but our holiday will look very different this year.

Because of Andrew's suppressed immune system, we won't be attending any crowded Christmas parties. We also won't be hosting our annual Carol Singing party, breaking an 8-year streak. Since it's been a different kind of year, we've decided to have a different kind of Christmas. While it is the year to send out our bi-annual Christmas cards, this year they will go out via email. (Make sure we have your up to date email if you want one!) And the biggest change of all? We will be driving south instead of north - to Florida for a family vacation over the Christmas holiday. No stockings over the fireplace. No candlelight Christmas Eve service at our home church. No fabulous meal in Greenwich with the Joneses. Just a lot of time in the car with each other and a chance to relax and play together for a week in warm weather - refueling the family batteries that have been run down so much over the past year.

Maybe we will view these changes as a chance to slow down and appreciate all we are missing this Christmas. Maybe we'll learn what we are fine to miss. As we will not be seeing many of you out and about, please invite yourselves to see us. We are thankful for those who are already doing this to keep us company while protecting us from holiday germs. And, above all, we hope the change of pace - and distance from all the frenzy - will help draw us closer to the true reason for the season.  As we look to Christmas and beyond, we have great reason to hope - for a 2013 full of good health and a new lease on life.  What a gift!