Wompet, you're a very good person.

My family gathers in Nashville at my brother's house. (Been doing this since my father died and we quit gathering at Mother's.) I will get there just in time for an afternoon repast, and we will all end up singing Christmas carols and watching the "kids" (who are now grown) open their presents. Our tradition is that we don't give presents to each other anymore. We donate to the Salvation Army or some such instead.

My own private tradition will continue: I shall stop along the way on Monteagle to stand alone and look out over the hills of Tennessee, fondly remember the loved ones gone who have left a great hole in my heart, recall that the memories and remorse of the stupid acts of our lives never leave us no matter how much we may repent, and then I shall thank God for my blessings and drive on with a tear drying on my cheek.

Dinner with the people who love me (except for my granddaughter who loves me best) will be all the sweeter for that few minutes alone.