This photo was taken on Christmas night, 1995. My mother invited her parents, brothers and sisters, and their families to our house for potluck each year, followed by caroling on full stomachs. The tasty assortment included a favorite family recipe from each household, and the caroling was accompanied by my mother's expert piano playing and the delightful sounds of young children banging on rhythm instruments. My sister and I were always featured singing in our trademark harmony. Our youngest uncle joined us in singing Mom's favorite, "Lo a Rose E'er Blooming." She loved to hear us sing it in German: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/non/de/esistein.htm

This tradition began soon after we moved to her hometown in 1973. This was the small town where all of her relatives lived and the home we tried to visit once a year during our cross-country travels while my father was in the navy. I remember how broken-hearted I felt soon after getting married, when it became necessary to spend every other Christmas at my in-laws'.

My father, brother, sister, and I still get together at Christmas, and we have a delightful time in each others' company. It was difficult at first. While the heartache fades some each year, I know we will always remember the happy racket and beautiful music and singing of these many Christmases past.