Christmas gatherings
We have to turn in our items for the news columns early because of the holidays. Of course, at this point there is not much going on for me except last minute Christmas shopping and preparing for the Hoffart family to gather here for our holiday get-together, which was held on Friday, Dec. 23 – the coldest day of the year so far. Brrrr!
On Christmas Eve, I helped with the meal at St. Stanislaus Parish Hall to feed those who didn’t have family close around to celebrate with. Then Sunday, Christmas Day, we went to church and later gathered with our children and grandkids at our home. Then I will have a little break because the Sowell family won’t gather at our house until Saturday, Jan. 7.
We are so fortunate that our families on both sides are close around the area therefore we have lots of family gatherings. As I have grown older and met so many more people through the years, I have learned there are many not so fortunate. They either have family scattered throughout the states and even countries or they are estranged from their family. This brings much sadness to me. On the other hand, Ancestry.com has brought families together that they didn’t even know they had.
Families in general have gotten away from “family reunions.” I grew up in the era of “family reunions” and know lots of my cousins. My children know their immediate cousins but not too many of the once or twice removed cousins. I’m constantly telling my children “you know, that’s your cousin.” LOL! Times have changed and are still changing – I don’t know about you but in my younger years we didn’t have all the technology we have today – some of it is good and nice – but I still cherish the simple life of “the good old days.”
Wishing each and every one a happy, healthy and prosperous 2023. Don’t forget to eat your black-eye peas for luck, cabbage or greens for money and everything else that is traditional in bringing in the new year.
Happy Birthday to those celebrating this week: Dec. 29 – John Wren, Billy Dan Schroeder, Martha McCleney, Aubrie Schroeder; Dec. 30 – Judy Kimich, John Bonner, Elizabeth Schroeder; Dec. 31 – Hunter Scott; Jan. 1 – Adrienne Hoffart; Jan. 2 – Tyler Wetuski, Jeremy Poret, Trish Fultz, Carlee Kitkoski, Ella Hughes; Jan. 3 – Don Gaylor, Taylor Ross, Colton Siracusa, Kyle Childress, Jaxson Winn; Jan. 4 – Joyce Sullivan.
Happy Anniversary to those celebrating this week: Dec. 29 – Brett and Rebecca Holtey, 21 years; Dec. 30 – Darryal and Nan Nevels, 41 years; Dec. 31 – James and Angela Kubacak; Dec. 31 – Craig and Lois Barnfield, 32 years; Dec. 31 – Clay and Danielle Brennen; and Jan. 1 – Bruce and Leslie Henneke, 2 years.
If you have special news about what goes on in your family or life, let me know by calling 936-870-6842 or email me at gailmsowell@yahoo.com.