I have what I call “mom memories” a lot – little things that have happened over the years with my kids, my mom, moms of my friends and clients. They usually bring a laugh, often an eye roll, but always a smile.

My Mom Memory today was actually about MY mom. One Christmas she came out to CO from WI by herself, needing a little more grandkid time. She loved old movies and introduced me to so many wonderful ones as I grew up. At the holidays it was always White Christmas, Holiday Inn, The Bishop’s Wife (the Cary Grant one) and It’s A Wonderful Life. Mom also enjoyed comedy, even (or especially) if it was a little naughty. So Christmas Vacation was in our repertoire as well.

After the kids went to sleep we decided to indulge in some of those old classics with one of our favorite holiday drinks – Grasshoppers! For those who never had the pleasure, a grasshopper is basically a Shamrock Shake except there is Creme de Menthe and Creme de Cocoa as well. I love this was such a common drink … at Christmas …so in winter …in Wisconsin. We Wisconsinites are hearty for sure!

Mom was not a big drinker, she could take it or leave it, but she had no such ambiguity when it came to her love of ice cream. And these particular ice cream drinks were so good we had a little more than necessary and ended up laughing on the couch all night while Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby tap danced us off to dreamland.

The last time my mom was able to visit was also at Christmas. She had lost the use of her legs and one of her arms to a stroke a few years prior. And yet she “merried on” with the same twinkle of mischief in her eyes and her songbird-like giggle. The kids and I sat up with her so late the fire was almost completely out. We all shared stories and memories of holidays past and all the ridiculousness that came with them. We laughed until we couldn’t keep our eyes open any more.

These nights are 2 of the best Christmas gifts I’ve ever received. And while I miss her every day, the memory no longer brings tears of sadness but of gratitude and joy for having her as a mom. I hope you and your loved ones have a wonderful memory making holiday season this year and each one that follows.