The family Christmas party, a tradition where we’d gather to celebrate. Presents would be given, news would be told, children would be playing, an argument to stop, a bruise from a fall, the cacophony of being part of a family.
Time for the meal, children sitting separately. Food had been prepared, a task shared by many gathered. Tables covered with treats and drinks suitable for young and old.
“Mummy, Johnny hit me,” a call rings out.
A parent responds. An argument sorted.
Uncle is getting a little too loud, having started his celebration earlier than most. A frown from some slows his pace.
There’s always at least one, “Suzie’s been sick.”
The volume grows. Children and adults happy, sad, angry, loud, the general spread of life before us on this day.
Only I sit quietly, pondering the meaning of the gathering and the struggle at times to keep the joy. Why do we go through this each year?
I heard an angel voice through the chaos and noise. Jackie was singing, a voice so pure. She reminds us of all the right reasons we gather.
The tables are quiet.
“Merry Christmas, everyone,” she ends.
What blessing granted her a voice to quiet us all? Surely the angels have touched her soul.
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Ross's Writing Blog 
Judie McEwen
December 28, 2011 at 08:20
Ross, a similiar thing happened to me this year, exactly when I needed it most. Yours is such a sweet story. Many of us need that angelic reminder! Such a true post you have written here!
Ross Mannell
December 30, 2011 at 17:51
Thanks for the comment.
It seems to me there are ways we are all reminded at times of the advantages of family and friends in our life. They may at times be frustrating or even infuriating 🙂 but we know they are there for us when we need them.
Maegan
December 28, 2011 at 11:30
Wow, this is really sweet Ross. Merry Christmas.
Take a look at my blog at http://maeganb57.edublogs.org
Ross Mannell
December 30, 2011 at 19:24
Thanks for the comment.
I have visited your blog and left a message for you from a small friend of mine. She is a swamp wallaby. 🙂 http://twitpic.com/80m1ir
Anna of Anna's Adornments
January 1, 2012 at 17:55
Dear Ross,
Yes, I agree family gatherings at Christmas are important. This was especially true for my brother and me whio lived far away from any relatives. Every New Year’s Day we visited an aunt who brought most of the extended family together for a great home4-cooked dinner.
Now that I am grown and the mlother of two school-aged children, I don’t understand how they managed.
Blessings to you and your family!
Anna
Anna’s SC Week 86- An angel’s voice
Ross Mannell
January 1, 2012 at 20:35
Thanks for the comment.
We may look and wonder how it was done but would most likely find the strength if we had to do it for our family. 🙂
Anna of Anna's Adornments
January 1, 2012 at 17:56
Sorry about the typo, Ross!
I’m used to Blogger, that allows the possiblity of correcting mistakes!
Anna
Jenny Matlock
January 5, 2012 at 12:07
I always wait for that moment when angels touch my soul.
It always comes when I hold my Grandlittles close and hear them breathe the word, “Grandma”.
Beautiful writing.
Thanks for a lovely sentiment for a shiny, new year.