Two days after Christmas in 1992, I thought my life was over. It turns out that it was just the start of something bigger and better, and Christmas played a major part in it.

My ex-wife walked out on me on Dec. 27, 1992. I won't go into detail, but needless to say it wasn't fun for about a year after that. I can remember the days that followed so clearly even though it was over 20 years ago. The bewilderment, the sleepless nights, the lack of answers. And it happened right at Christmastime.

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. My family always made a big deal out of it growing up, and it's remained that way for me.

I was worried that my personal upheaval in 1992 would ruin Christmas for me in the future. I watched the Christmas tree dry up to the point of becoming a fire hazard. I was so angry that I just wanted to throw it out, ornaments and all. Somehow, I undecorated  it and my home, and packed everything away.

By the next Christmas, I was on my own, out of my house and into a rental condo. I started to get caught up in the Christmas spirit. I bought a small artificial tree and decorated my apartment. Thanks to family, I had a good Christmas.

By the next Christmas, I was in a blossoming relationship that has grown into nearly 20 years of marriage and the adoption of five children.

Now in 2014, Christmas is a major happening in the Teegarden home. All of us are in the spirit, and are looking forward to celebrating on Wednesday and Thursday.

In retrospect, my fears of having the Yuletide ruined by personal tragedy were unfounded.

I guess the Christmas spirit was, and is, stronger than anything I could imagine.

 

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