Traditions

Yesterday I hosted my "several years running but I can't remember exactly how many" holiday brunch. I love this event mainly because it is a great reminder of how fortunate I am to be surrounded by many fabulous women in my life.  This particular group happens to be women who share some connection through my career at Caremark.  Recently, that expanded to family when Jim's cousin Katie worked with me for a stint at Caremark and now her sister Megan moved to Chicago, so the more the merrier this year!  Also this year marked my first out of state guest with Sonia attending from Boston, MA. Such a gift.

In my almost 20 years working at Caremark I often stop and take note of the amazing relationships I have created over the years. I really do work with an incredible group of of smart, talented, entertaining, inspiring and dynamic people. Life gets so busy and working full time is stressful when you try to balance everything else in life. Each of these gals has touched me in a special way and continue to inspire me. Whether we still work together or have remained connected from our original meeting we all still have so much in common and, if nothing else, gathering for this event every year. We might laugh about something current or a blast from the past or story from 15 years ago.

In the world of Facebook, texting, quick phone calls between activities in a given day we keep up with the major events in our lives: kids growing up, new jobs, new houses, relationships etc. however nothing can replace a few hours of face to face conversation around a table accompanied by a mimosa or two, three, four, a few eggs, and a good cup of coffee.  No distractions, nowhere else to be for a couple of hours.  I love it.  I wish it could happen more often but I am grateful for the annual event and the time these friends take to attend.

Each year as I set the table with my Christmas china I find myself reflecting on the year that has passed. Highs, lows, and all in between.  I think of how the boys have grown and how none of us are the same as we were last year at this time.  The china started as a gift from my dear childhood friend, Carry, with additional pieces given to me as gifts from my mom and Jim. While part of me wishes it was acceptable to use Christmas china year around, there is something special about the personal thoughts and reflections that I enjoy once a year.

So, today I will pack away the china for another year and wonder what I will be thinking when I next set my Christmas table.