Dear Kip,
I
love the holiday season. The
traditions: making lefse, hanging
Christmas ornaments, elementary music programs, Christmas Eve church service,
and opening presents on Christmas morning. The food: cookies, pudhea, and potato sausage. The lights: driving around to look at lights
in Bismarck, the lights of the Christmas tree in the evenings, and the
candlelight at church on Christmas Eve. The
music: all of the music!
What I love most of all, though, is making memories with family. Whether it was Christmas Eve in Wilton with
my dad's family or Christmas morning in Arizona with my mom's family, I enjoyed
being surrounded by family. I looked
back on those times as inspiration to help create similar memories for my
kids. On Christmas morning, it didn't
matter if we were in Minneapolis for a Vikings game, in Bozeman getting ready
to go skiing, or at home just relaxing, it was important that we were together
and sharing time with family.
After
my divorce, I was scared to spend a Christmas morning alone. I know that you feel that you can make any
day a holiday and it does not matter when you celebrate…and I agree with you,
but I was scared to be without family on Christmas morning. And now that you and I have found each other,
I know that will never happen. You have
given me a big bonus family that I love and adore, and it will be a joy to
share Christmas mornings with them. And
I already look forward to the Christmases future in which we will have no idea
who will be where and when. As much as I
feel a sense of security in having a plan, as long as I get to wake up next to
you on Christmas morning, I will be happy.
I
look forward to all the new traditions we will start together. I look forward to the many memories that we
will make together. Christmas is about
love and joy and hope, and as we transition from a couple to a family, I know
that love and joy and hope will all be abundant for many years to come.
I
love you always,
