Untraveled: A Christmas Filled with Faith, Love and Hope

 

As I sit down to share our Christmas story, I can’t help but marvel at the twists and turns life throws our way. This holiday season, my family embarked on a journey that tested our faith, strengthened our love, and filled our hearts with hope.

 

The Big Trip

Living in the sunny state of Florida with Luis and five energetic boys without my family nearby has been an adventure in itself. Last year, I made it even more exciting by taking on the challenge of starting not just one but two businesses, and the pace of life felt like a whirlwind. As Christmas approached, my heart longed for the snowy landscapes and familiar faces back in Maine, to spend my time lazily chatting with my family and letting the boys be completely bombarded with more love than they know what to do with. Little did I know that this year’s holiday season would teach us invaluable lessons about the true spirit of Christmas.

With schedules packed tighter than ever, a trip to Maine seemed like an impossible dream. However, Luis and I have such a hard time taking no for an answer, so fueled by the magic of the season and a desire to hug our family, we decided to make the trip happen no matter what. Excitement filled the air as we planned a three-day Christmas extravaganza with our loved ones in Maine; it would be tight, but we’d do all the things!

But, as they say, life is unpredictable. Just one day before our departure, Matthew and MJ came down with the flu. Panic set in as we faced the heartbreaking reality that our meticulously planned trip might be in jeopardy. Doubt crept in, and the disappointment hung heavy in the air. Then we made the call. There would be no trip to Maine for Christmas this year… for the first time ever.

 

The Twist

To say I was devastated was an understatement. Family is everything to me and missing them all, especially at Christmas was such a sad feeling. Yet, in the midst of our worries, a beautiful realization unfolded. God had a different plan for us, one that was filled with unexpected blessings. Thanks to Luis’s systemic optimism, instead of dwelling on canceled plans, we chose to embrace the situation with an open mind and open hears.

The next three days turned into an unexpected journey of love and connection. While MJ and Matthew began to feel better, Jasper and Mateo embarked on an unplanned adventure. They spent 3 days with Luis’s side of our family in nearby Mayo, creating memories and forging bonds that warmed our hearts. A sleepover filled with laughter, games, and the joy of being surrounded by loved ones turned a potentially somber Christmas into a celebration of togetherness.

While they were gone, we made the decision to have Jack spend his days with his friends at his daycare that he loves and I got to give Matthew and MJ undivided attention. From movie dates to escape rooms, lunches out and games in the backyard, I got to give everything ounce of effort to the two boys who are usually the least likely to get it. We spent our last night alone with a sleepover on the couch, staying up late so the boys could watch the Goonies for the first time. This is a movie I remember watching with my dad as a kid and it warmed my heart to share it with MJ and Matthew.

 

The Lesson in Faith, Love and Hope

In the face of unexpected challenges, we discovered the true meaning of Christmas, a time of faith, love, and hope. Our faith was tested, but we chose to believe that everything happens for a reason and that no matter what, God provides. Love prevailed as we showered our boys with care and attention, and hope emerged in the form of the magical moments we shared despite the change in plans. The big lesson is this, even when life doesn’t give us what we WANT, God gives us what we NEED.

As we reflect on this Christmas tale, I am reminded that life’s most precious moments often unfold when we least expect them. The resilience of the human spirit, the strength of familial bonds, and the magic of the holiday season prevail even in the face of unforeseen challenges.

May all of your holiday seasons, and your everyday life too, be filled with faith, love, and hope, no matter how different it may look from what you initially imagined.