I’ll Be Home For Christmas

I love to look back on past Christmases. Whether I was four years old and getting the greatest Christmas gift ever – my pink Hot Wheels Barbie Corvette - or all the fun Christmas Eve nights we’d spend laughing hysterically with family in Maryland. Christmastime is full of memories. Aside from one Christmas in San Diego and last year in Salt Lake, I’ve always been home for the holidays.

Last year was definitely difficult for me. It was my first Christmas without my family. The idea of waking up in a house all by myself and not being able to bounce down the stairs to shout, “MERRY CHRISTMAS! HAS SANTA BEEN HERE YET?!?!” was a bit sad. Luckily, I had some extended family to spend the holiday with. My then-fiancé and I volunteered to feed homeless families that morning and then spent the rest of the day with his family. I remember calling home that night, putting everyone on speaker and getting to talk to each family member as they opened presents. Sure, it was tough being the only one not there…

But, it made this year even more special. Is this year going to be perfect? No, of course not. This Christmas is hard for other reasons and there might be a burnt cookie or mis-labeled present. However, that’s just part of Christmas, right? It’s about birth, being alive, family, giving, and joy. So, no matter where you are this Christmas or what this year has brought you, just take a moment {or two} to be grateful.

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I’d be fine with just one.

Okay, but in all seriousness…

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This year I’ll be taking the time to enjoy the little moments of Christmas -- The excitement of waking up on Christmas morning, the carols playing softly in the background, the sound of my cat Stella’s paws crunching on all the Christmas paper for the first time, the glow of the lights on the tree, the laughter of family members, and the magical feeling of Christmas no matter your age.

‘Tis the season, my friends.

Wishing you all a beautiful and Merry Christmas!