Last year, this happened by accident. Christmas is the most joyous time of year...but also so over scheduled! My brother and his family, together with mine and our parents were squeezing in an evening to celebrate each other since we were going in opposite directions on Christmas. My mom made a delicious meal which was served on her fancy china that comes out during the holidays  everyday dishes so they could be tossed into the dishwasher to get to the packages under the tree a little bit faster. You see, my nieces and nephew are young and have been staring at the beautifully wrapped packages, all tied up with bows, for about 2 hours now while the grown ups talked and we ate. 

When the dinner chores were mostly done, the flurry of excitement swirled around the gift opening production. Smiles and hugs and a chorus of 'thank yous!' were abundant. Then, every one let out a sigh as the kids began to get busy looking at toys, flipping through new books and trying on an outfit. 

I don't know how it happened or what led to the next event. I walked into my parent's den and there on the floor was my mom and 2 nieces cuddled around her wedding album from 46 years ago. They were slowly turning pages, my mom pointing out very young grandparents and great-grandparents and aunts and uncles. It was so incredibly adorable that I pulled out my phone (which I never keep in my pocket or near me to the sometimes aggravated Mr. MJCP) to begin recording just a few snippets of the scene unfolding in front of me. Mostly for my memory and documentation. 

When they closed the album, my mom asked the girls if they wanted to see her wedding dress that she had sewn herself all those years ago. Boy, did they! I quietly followed them in the other room. My mom brought out her gown...the one I played dress up in on occasion when I was little and had always hung in my closet. Yellowed with age, she allowed the girls to touch it. I kept recording, not realizing how important this video is, was, or going to be in the future. 

Someday, when the toys have been played with and donated, the books read until the pages curl and the clothing outgrown, I am certain the best gift the girls received from that Christmas will be the time with Munga (as we call my mom) and the photo album experience.  I know it is something my mom truly loves to share and something I didn't intend to record, but did. I am so glad I did! We didn't have that kind of technology when my own children were little, but I know it was a similar moment my kids had with grandma when they were younger.

I'd like to share that video with you and wish with all my might that you have a great Christmas with lots of presents. And somewhere in the frenzy of the holidays to come, you are filled to the brim with gifts. The gift of family and memories and stories. Maybe take out grandma's photo album and walk down your own memory lane or better yet, ask your family questions and learn a little family history. ♥

Love and light,

Melissa