Christmas in an Empty Nest
This year things look different in our empty nest here in Chattanoonga, TN. We are so blessed to be parents of Ana Unique Prust. I was 26 and Tony was 27 when she was born. She was 7 lbs and 1 oz and man, she looked just like her dad!
I mean….look at those pig tails!
When Ana was young, we'd start decorating for Christmas right after Thanksgiving, usually in late November. In the cold Illinois weather, we'd rush back and forth between our small 2-bedroom house and the garage, carrying all the decorations. We'd blast our favorite Christmas songs, especially Mariah Carey's “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Despite our small space, decorating didn't take long. But it wouldn't be Christmas without Ana and I getting frustrated, usually while putting lights on the tree.
In our house, we had traditions on Christmas of praying together on Christmas morning, thanking God for all He has done for us and how grateful we are for His love and care for us. Then we’d open our Christmas stockings. From there, we might grab some breakfast. Ana was so anxious to open her gifts at this time and would say “Can we open the gifts now” over and over.
Fast forward to January 15th, at 20 years old, when Ana got married to the most amazing man, Stanton. It was one the best days of my life. I felt such pride and joy seeing my sweet girl have the opportunity to find and marry her best friend. We were blessed to meet and celebrate with Stanton’s family. All of our amazing and dear friends, from near and far, came to celebrate with us. My heart was so full. I couldn’t have imagined a day so wonderful as her wedding day. We shared in our blog last week that in Ecclesiastes there’s a time for everything under the sun, including a time weep and a time to dance. I would say Ana and Stanton’s wedding was a time to dance.
Introducing….
Mr. and Mrs. Stanton Grisham!
Ana and I being crazy the morning of her wedding. Totally normal for us!
Daddy and daughter! What a special bond they have.
Celebrating differently looks like this…
Instead of decorating together this year, Ana and I decorated separately. We FaceTimed and shared our decorations virtually. I loved seeing how she’s decorating her new home.
Instead of celebrating on Christmas day, Ana and Stanton arrive this week, a little early, from Arizona, where they live, to celebrate with us. The trip will be a fast one. They each get stockings and we’ll spend time watching Elf and A Christmas Story. We’ll open gifts and we’ll go out to a nice dinner. We’ll possibly squeeze in a bonfire and maybe dirt biking while they are here. I mean, why not? We live in TN where the weather is pretty good this time of year.
Instead of only having a daughter to celebrate with this year, I also have a son! A new member of our small family. I couldn’t be happier.
As you find your own ways to celebrate this season, remember that change doesn't mean losing the joy. Let's share our stories and experiences—tell me in the comments how your holidays are different this year. Be open to the changes. They can bring unexpected joy.
