Landry family Christmas letter, 2021
Every year or so, for the last twenty years, I write a Christmas letter. For the last few years, I’ve posted it here (usually well after Christmas) for my readers to peruse. As my children have reached adult lives, I’ve written less about them - not because they have said not to, or that their lives aren’t interesting (my goodness, their lives are lively to be sure) - and certainly not because I wouldn’t love to share their news and events, but it is THEIR news and events… it feels like an invasion of their privacy.
So, like the rest of our home life, the Christmas letter has gotten “quieter.”
LANDRY FAMILY CHRISTMAS LETTER, 2021
Who knew? Wow. What a year it was. I could share a list of what we didn’t do this year, but instead, I think I’ll share a list of what we did do: it’ll take less time. He. he. he.
Our two elder grandsons turned five this year. The present age break down is two five year olds, three three year olds, a one year old and a newbie, our newest baby grand daughter is five months old.
I will say this. Seven grandchildren happened a lot more quickly than seven children. Here is another truth about having a big family. Loneliness is never a problem. We feel blessed beyond words when our house is full of people we love.
Spending more time at home, we got an early jump on the garden. Our winter and early spring months were marked by lots of planting and weeding, cooking and wine. The garden is a remarkable source of joy for our quiet little family (Sparky, Rosebud and myself at home most of the time, but for the time being, Silas sleeps here too). I got a truck load of dirt for Mother’s Day. For the amount we plant, you would think there were still a houseful here. Our typical afternoon? We go out to the garden, weed, prune, gather. We come inside to make dinner. Sparky pours wine and put on music. We listen, cook, sip, talk. Sometimes we dance, when our ribs aren’t fractured.
New granddaughter considerately was born on her due date, the same day we flew out to Ottawa to greet the newest descendant.
Summer was notable for lots of outdoor time, and lots of family. Lots of heat. Not so much water. The Ottawa family came out for six weeks in August and September, so we got in lots of cuddles, outdoor time and hanging out. Nobody was hospitalized, so: win. We had some lovely flurries of guests throughout the summer.
The married of our children have all the appearances of much grace in their lives. The blossom of full and busy family life makes grandparents delight and become wistful of the days when our children were young. We were super tired. We aim to support and uphold the good and beautiful work they are doing.
The boys, all grown up, are doing grown up boy-type things. Working, college, paying bills, buying cars, having adventure, eating. Dutifully phoning their mother.
Rosebud has been educating. Latin and philosophy and other studies of lofty nature. She bakes and bakes and cooks and cooks. Sourdough is a constant companion in her thoughts. We have been reading the Divine Comedy this year. We’ve made it out of Hell and should be out of Purgatory before Christmas. So that’s nice. Paradise will have to wait until after Christmas.
In a fit of passion, we decided to replace our wood counter tops (big mistake, if you’re considering wood countertops, just don’t). As usual, one thing leads to another and the kitchen is actually completely ripped apart while I type. The countertops got misplaced en route (Really? How do you lose countertops?) So we’ve spent a sketchy week without countertops. Just adding to the list of our first world problems. But there is an impotent and inane parallel to be drawn, renovating our kitchen and Dante’s Divine Comedy. So that’s something. It should be lovely when it’s all done, but it’s not lovely now. And it may not be lovely for some time. If you’re interested in before and after photos, check out my instagram.
If I were to share one word for this year that set it apart, it would be “kindled.”
A few things collided this year to kindle me and mine, and so many others, I know. We’ve been on this walk of faith for many years now, but there are times when growth and strength comes in waves. Those things that have had an effect on us this year seem quite ordinary, I suppose. But in the ordinary, extraordinary things happen.
Overarching all of it was participating in Father Mike’s Bible in a Year podcast. Father Mike is a remarkable teacher, and more than that, a cheerleader. He has kindled knowledge and love of Scripture. Just listen.
Then there was binge watching The Chosen. Now on round two, rewatching the first two seasons, a snapshot of the life of Christ that is insightful, and opens the scriptures in fresh ways. It has kindled greater depth of the humanness of Christ and his followers. Just watch.
On a more local level, however, in parish and home, we have been kindled also. In parish life, we have been blessed with Fr. J. Pastoral and challenging, he raises us up, gently guides, tends and forms us. He is a paragon of Dry Wit and Common Sense. He has kindled a desire to walk more closer with Our Lord. Just Thank You.
We began adding some of the liturgy of the hours into our daily routine. I wish I had some clever way of explaining, but an author I’m presently reading says it well: The Liturgy of the Hours brings the Mass into our daily routine. It provides the framework for the rest of our daily life. It has kindled the right ordering of our days. Just awesome.
While the world appears to be falling apart around us, all these things, from global podcasts to local guidance, have enkindled us to know Christ better, and to pursue deeper conversations with Him. To lean in. “I can do all things in Him, who strengthens me.”
The Landry family wishes all our loved ones, close and far, the blessings of a beautiful Christmas. May the coming year be filled with delight and joy for you all,
The Landry family of Cobble Hill
Mom, I miss you every day.
