Christmas is all about family for me. Tonight and tomorrow will be spent with my two boys, their spouses and my grandchildren.
This afternoon I am remembering Christmases past with family members who are no longer with me, my dad and my grandparents.
My Paternal Grandparents with Grandchildren 1951
Me with my Dad as Santa Claus 1951
Maternal Grandmother Eliza Jane Critteden West wtih her Adult Children about 1952
I am also thinking about my ancestors and wondering what their holidays were like. Last month I was blessed to stand on the beautiful land in Arkansas where my great grandfather Moses Crittenden, many of his relatives and other early Cherokee settlers, lived for much of the 19th century.
1850 Cherokee Land Freedom Polk County Arkansas Photo Taken 2014
Standing looking out over where they lived I could feel the community and lives of my ancestors surrounding me. Today I can’t help but wonder about their family holiday traditions over almost 40 years on that land. I hope they can feel the love that I send out to them this day across time and space.
Cherokee Roots Blog 