Every year, my very large Elsberry family gets together for Christmas. It's been a tradition as far back as I can remember. The date, location, and gifts have changed over the years, but the fun and fellowship has remained the same. It is always very evident that someone is missing- our beloved Grandparents Grandma and Bee. But I know they're smiling down on all of us and are so glad we've continued to gather together every year around Christmas.
When I say large Elsberry family- I really mean it. I have 6 Aunts & Uncles, 18 cousins, and 19 second-cousins. Including my family, add 9 people to that! That's over 50 people!!! What a legacy Bee and Grandma have left behind!
When I was small, I remember it being on Christmas Eve at my grandparents house in Lilburn. We would all exchange gifts, eat (the Elsberry family loves to eat after all), and sing songs. Eventually our family grew too large for Bee and Grandma's house so we moved to my Aunt Linda's house in Clayton. We had to change to a "Dirty Santa" style gift exchange for a few years. Well, our family continued to grow and grow so we moved our location to a private room at The Dillard House in Dillard, GA where wedding receptions are held! We tried to continue to give gifts but we just had too many people to exchange with and our Dirty Santa games were lasting literally hours! So a few years back, we made it so only the children receive gifts. It's special to watch the younger Elsberry's (Grandma and Bee's youngest Great-Grandchildren) open their presents each year.
I look forward to this weekend all year long. Not only because the food at The Dillard House is so yummy, but because I get to see my HUGE Elsberry family. It reminds me to remember "the bigger picture" of where I've come from. Since my Dad was the youngest of 5 children and I am his youngest child, I am the baby of the family as far as grandchildren go. I just adored Bee and miss him so much. I know how proud he must be of his family but am very sad that he wasn't around to meet my boys- the next generation of die-hard Tech fans. I know he would have loved them. I don't think it's a coincidence that since Bee's death in 2006, every Elsberry baby born has been a boy! :)
I can still hear him saying my name in his Southern accent..."LAWrin"... as he called me up for my gift each year. He gave each of us a crisp, new $100 bill in an envelope! But I don't really remember it being about the money but more about my "turn" to see Bee as he went through the list of names. I was last of course, so I couldn't wait until it was my turn to "hug his neck" as we all called it. He was such a generous man who would do anything for his family.
Elsberry Christmas is a tradition that is very near and dear to my heart and this year it was no different. I was excited for everyone to meet our newest addition! We ate until we thought we would pop, opened presents with the kids (Nick got a Tonka fire truck and Adam got a blow up lion), and chatted with everyone.
This weekend made me really remember what the holidays are all about- spending time with the ones that you love. God has blessed our family beyond measure and I give Him all of the glory for the blessings He's bestowed upon us all!
0 comments:
Post a Comment