“I Opted Out of Christmas This Year — And My Son Didn’t See What Was Coming”

profoundly different my Christmas was this year. No one asking where I kept the serving spoons. No mountain of dishes waiting after every meal. No noise, no demands, no endless questions.

Instead I had solitude, peace, a warm fire, and time that belonged entirely to me. That afternoon I made myself a simple bowl of soup. Nothing fancy, nothing elaborate.continue reading …