For the first time in 33 years, I am out that madness, and I am both relieved and disappointed. The adrenaline rush was part of my holidays, and the satisfaction of pulling together as a team to accomplish what often seemed impossible was rewarding, once it was over.
This week I realized that I had achieved a remarkable record for someone in a business that almost never rests: I never missed a Christmas morning with my children while they were growing up. I never missed a Christmas with my mother's extended family while my children were young. For most of my career, I saved a vacation day to take the day after Christmas, allowing me to travel Christmas morning, spend the night, exhausted but satisfied, at my parents' home and return home on the 26th. I gratefully realize how fortunate I am to have that record.
This year promises to be different, and not just because I am not employed. Our children, who have "come home" to Wilson for at least a part of Christmas Day each year, will not all be able to spend the day here this year. My wife and I will be alone Christmas Eve night — unusual in itself — and Christmas morning. The night and morning will be something akin to being married without children — a status we have not known for 37 years. If only we were still young ...
This Christmas will be different, but many things will be the same, as is always the case at Christmas.
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