Christmas 2019 is almost here, prompting me to consider how this edition of “the most-wonderful time of the year” compares to previous ones. This Christmas season featured many of the same attractions and treats that have made previous ones special: The Bricker holiday party for children, the Huntington Holiday Train set-up at the Columbus Public Library, the Cookiethon baking extravaganza at our home, dazzling light displays at the Franklin Park Conservatory and the Columbus Zoo, and a taste of 19th-Century Christmas at Ohio Village. On the 24th, we will attend an “Olde English Christmas Eve” concert at Xenos Christian Fellowship Church and listen to grandchildren Naomi and Alek Yensel join other children in singing Christmas carols. A tenderloin beef dinner at our home will follow.

But, in at least two ways, this Christmas season has differed from previous ones.

First, the sudden death of close friend Ann Ottobre’s mother, Betty Connor, cast a shadow over our holiday cheer. My wife Becky knew Betty better than I, but it was clear from her grandson Steve’s eulogy that love, faith, and service characterized Betty’s life. Among other things, she had a unique church ministry, which involved making baptismal bibs by hand for newborns. Betty also served as chair of the Ladies of Charity of greater Buffalo. She will be greatly missed, but the positive impact of her life will endure.

Second, Becky and I will be alone for most of Christmas day. Her daughter and son-in-law, having spent Thanksgiving with us, will be in Boston with his family. Her son Andy will be in the Philadelphia area, fulfilling his duties as Athletic Director of Lansdale Catholic High School. Since my tribe will have opened their gifts and dined with us Christmas Eve, they will be spending time with other family members on Christmas day. We will Skype with my daughter Ruth, son-in-law John, and their children in the morning and then go to the home of Becky’s Auntie Val in the afternoon for a delicious Italian dinner. In between, we will open the gifts we’ve given to each other and maybe watch a Christmas movie. We might also reflect on the joys and sorrows we’ve experienced this year, as well as the hopes we hold for the coming year.

My own hopes include publishing a short story, starting to write the sequel to Fast-Pitch Love, and reading more books on the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle list. Not the least of my hopes is that I am still here to celebrate Christmas 2020. That may seem like almost a given, but if there’s one thing that’s been driven home to my wife and me this year, it is this: In this life, we have no guarantees.