Christmas music was playing – tunes by Ray Charles, the Drifters, The Jackson Five and others. I put wreaths on the front door and on two of the outside windows. My mom unwrapped the smaller items—a couple bouquets of silk flower poinsettias, some trinkets from her grandchildren, a few Santas and other whatnots—and lovingly placed them around the living room and den. It was simple and festive. She left many of the decorations in the storage boxes. There was no Christmas tree. 

My nearly 80-year-old mother moved slowly and carefully. Because of surgery a little over two months ago, she’s able to walk now without a cane or other assistance. She was happy. 

Later in the day, I ran some errands for Mom, picking up some groceries and miscellaneous items. I also did some cleaning, with help from my soon-to-be 15-year-old daughter. 

It was a nice weekend. Now that I’ve moved back to North Carolina, I won’t miss any more Christmas decorating days.  

Soul Rhythms blogger Yvonne Shinhoster Lamb and I are trying to shrink our belly fat in a six-month Melt the Middle challenge. Be sure to join us.

Related posts:

1. Enjoying family time
2. Accepting my mom’s shrinking world
3. Finding a new hairdresser