It is officially Christmas!
And am I ever excited!
To me, Christmas is a time spent with loved ones.
It is when friends and family gather to appreciate those in their lives and when lively conversation and laughter fills the air. It is a time when families arrive home after traveling miles and miles to see those they haven't seen in months. And it is a time when the door opens to smiling faces and bear hugs on the other side.
It is the happiest time of the year. A time when the world is overflowing at the brim with love, compassion and kindness. A time when people you don't even know take a moment to wish you a Merry Christmas, and a time when gestures of goodwill are found everywhere.
It is a time when board games fill the kitchen table and hot chocolate is available 'on tap'. A time when Christmas carols are sung by the young and elderly alike and holiday spirit fills the room. It is a time when "Twinkle Tours" are the only things scheduled and the only real time concern is making sure the kiddos make it into bed before Santa arrives.
I mean, Christmas is the kind of stuff that memories are made of. . .
But lately, I have been reminded that for some, those memories aren't the light and joyous memories that I have come to enjoy.
Unfortunately, Christmas isn't like that for everyone.
And every now and then, I appreciate having a good reminder of that. I am grateful for a reminder that makes me take a moment to really appreciate the things in my life, the people that fill it and the moments that we have together.
That reminder exists in the Christmas song that tells the story that "this boy is hungry, he ain't got enough to eat. That girls cold, and she ain't got no shoes on her feet." There is the conversation had at the grocery store where a daughter isn't going to be able to make it home this year. And then there are many of us who have lost loved ones over the past year and Christmas this year, just won't be the same without them.
Not everyone has a present with their name on it under a tree full of decorations and lights that glow in the evening. Not everyone has a Christmas meal complete with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables and all the fixings to feast upon.
Not everyone's stomachs ache from laughter and not every conversation is light and full of zest. Not everyone has family to spend Christmas with, and not everyone has time off to travel to see loved ones.
So this Christmas, take a moment. . .
Take a moment and appreciate what you have.
It is a time to be thankful for the people we have in our lives. Look around the table during your Christmas supper and really appreciate the people you have in your life. Be thankful that they were able to make it home for Christmas. Be thankful that your relationship is that where they wanted to make it home for Christmas.
Appreciate them in their entirety, with or without their quirks, with or without your differences. Make your bear hugs a little bigger and your conversations a little longer.
And this Christmas, take 'in' the moments. . .
It is a time to be thankful for the experiences we have and moments we treasure. Next time there is a burst of laughter, take a minute and appreciate the sound. When your niece or your nephew gallops towards you to jump into your wide-open arms, throw that moment into the memory bank. And when you are so full from the Christmas meal that was prepared, take a moment to be grateful that your feast existed.
Christmas is all about memories and moments.
So take a minute this holiday season to appreciate yours.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and all of the best in the New Year!
