This Christmas will be different for my family…
In the distant past, extended family came to visit, from both sides off the family - grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. However, ever since my parent’s divorce and the passing of all but 1 of my grandparents, the holiday season has been considerably smaller as of late - only me, my twin, an older brother, his wife and daughter, and our mother.
This year, though, will also consist of my sister-in-law’s family - her mother, father, brothers, and even a few of her closest friends - will all be coming down from California. Add to that the fact that my only niece now identifies as my only nephew,and it only serves to complicate matters (though I fully support him in his decision) for my family this holiday season…
Stress has been high in my immediate family the past few days, especially for my mother (who is sick), with cleaning up the house (which even included giving it a new outside coat of paint), additional Christmas shopping and cooking for everyone. I’ve even gone as far as asking my mother to not worry about getting me anything this year, so she wouldn’t have to worry so much. With less than 24 hours until everyone’s arrival we’re all incredibly nervous and excited, and hope all goes well in the 1st big Christmas our family has had in well over a decade.
Pray for us. 
…and let’s hope 2017 is a far better year, because IMO, 2016 was awful (filled with politics, police shootings, terrorist attacks, numerous celebrity deaths, etc.).
#HH, from GG! 
P.S. - Stay tuned for more, as well as the 411 on all of the swag that’ll get passed around. 
