In 2024, Christmas looked a little different this year, but nonetheless, it was filled with love, joy, and a sense of togetherness that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

On December 22nd, we drove Ross to the airport for his first month follow-up after starting the clinical trial for Uveal Melanoma, with the drug Darovasertib. It was a bittersweet moment, dropping him off, knowing he wouldn’t be home with us until the evening of Christmas Day. But as we drove home, Aubrey and I sang Christmas carols and let the holiday spirit in, finding a little magic along the way.

Once we got home, we fixed a snack, kicked back, and started watching our favorite Christmas movies. In our house, we love everything from Muppet Christmas Carol to Die Hard (because, of course). A few others that are always on our list are The Grinch, Arthur Christmas, Klaus, Spirited, The Santa Chronicles, and, of course, after the younger kids go to bed, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation and Violent Night. Christmas movies were a staple in keeping us in the holiday mood.

This year, I also created a special Christmas Joy box for the kids, filled with paper slips that told us what to do next—”Christmas Craft,” “Baking,” “Holiday Game,” “Dance Break,” and more. If we didn’t like what we picked, we’d just put it back and try again. One activity that was a big hit with my 3- and 6-year-old girls was the Melissa and Doug Gingerbread House (which I highly recommend—not an affiliate link just recommending a good product… check it out here).

We colored, baked cookies, and enjoyed the crockpot meals Ross had made before he left for treatment. The Christmas tree wasn’t fully decorated yet, so we took some time to finish that while we waited for Ross’ return. The first night Ross was away, we continued on a tradition where we saw lights at our local zoo.

On Christmas Eve, we put out cookies and, our usual, Dr. Pepper for Santa, sang some Christmas karaoke, and read The Night Before Christmas before heading to bed. Since we knew Ross wouldn’t be home until Christmas evening, we decided to do things a little differently. Instead of opening all the presents on Christmas morning, the kids and I just opened our stockings and one gift from Santa—new slippers for everyone and Bluey Christmas shirts for the girls. We patiently waited, keeping ourselves busy with more Christmas movies, cookies, and coloring between travel updates from Ross (aka Papa).

When I asked the kids what they thought of our different Christmas this year, Amanda said she loved watching the Christmas movies, Logan said he enjoyed spending quality family time, Fitz (our teenager) said he appreciated the extra sleep, and Aubrey, well, she was all about the chocolate. As for me, I agree with Logan. Spending time with the kids, being aware of the fact that the person we love most was going through such a big life event and waiting for much-anticipated answers about his treatment, was perfect. It was a hum of love that spanned the miles between us and Ross, and I could feel it.

When we picked Ross up from the airport, the boys stayed home to bring out the rest of Christmas, making sure it would be magical for the girls when we got home. I am so grateful for my little family and for God’s unwavering support. It’s in these moments that I see how the universe unfolds in the most magical ways.

To follow Ross’ journey in his fight against cancer, visit TheTravelingWithers.com.

Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.