Our world has become much smaller, and our children find opportunities in far away places. Our daughter lives 800 miles from us, and with three growing children, travel is not often an option. You have made great points ... celebrate any time that you have with your family, and Christmas in July would be a great "memory-maker".

We have friends who have dealt with health issues for most of their married live. Their only son went to work in Australia, met his wife there, and her condition doesn't allow her to travels long distances, so our friends have only seen their daughter-in-law a few times in the last 20 years. They celebrated the day they sent their first email and received birthday pictures the day of their grandson's birthday party.  Now they anticipate the weekly Skype call to their Australian family.Those events are considered blessings in their lives.

In addition, our friends spend Christmas day at a street ministry, serving Christmas dinner and passing out gifts to the less fortunate people in the city. She tells me that she would hate to miss that experience. So ... be creative, share a smile with anyone your meet, and remind yourself that "...it is, what it is!"

    Mona