This is the first Christmas that all three of my momma’s children have not been home for the holidays. Michael ditched us. Yes, it was for something important to him and his work, but there was a “6 ft hole” as my mother said.

Michael is doing Americorp at Camphill in Copake, NY. Christmas is a special time in the Village filled with many traditions. The coworkers and residents all come together to take a break and take the time to enjoy the company of the people around them. We spoke to Michael on Christmas Eve and Christmas and he sounded like he was having a fabulous time. We put him on speaker phone and it really was like he was here. We were all talking at once, Michael was just far way. According to Michael’s holiday schedule, he had candle lightings, wreath somethings, paper rose making, cooking, and sledding to accomplish. It seems as though we take a little bit of a lazier approach to the holiday. Emily and I did do holiday crafts, so we should get credit for that. I also baked a pie, which was my contribution to all of my mother’s hard work in the kitchen. (It should be noted that my father has all of a sudden become a food critic and has started with my pie baking skills. It should also be noted that he was the only one who did not compliment my fine work!)

Michael is an important part of us. He lets us know that we are all nuts. He is probably my parents favorite child, but they probably wouldn’t confess if confronted. We love you Michael; and we missed you wrapped in an entire bed spread complaining that it is too early to function.