Missing "Christmas"

I thought it was odd enough to be having "Christmas" plans after my birthday, but what felt even more odd than that was getting sick this weekend and missing Christmas. I don't remember the last time I didn't see my mom's side of the family for Christmas. It was a really weird feeling even though I think Christmas would have been a little weird after my birthday anyway. I guess I can find solace in the fact that this weekend actually looked like Christmas unlike most of break. However, things just aren't the same without the tradition of Grandma's house really close to Christmas day with everyone around the big table in the kitchen. I suppose things change and you have to get used to it, but what happens when you're just not ready for the change? What happens when you don't really want to face what the future holds? Either way, it was sad not seeing my family for a Christmas gathering of some sort. It would have been nice to do that. Although, I did hear that the drive was a challenge. Either way, I missed Christmas and I'm not allowed to open my gifts until John and I are together in my parents' house where they can take pictures. ;-)