Christmas Eve is knocking at our doorstep and soon, the Christmas season will, once again, have come and gone.  I’m not usually the type to feel sadness during this time of year. I love the holidays and I can barely contain my excitement for Christmas, because of the all the wonderful things that happen. Here is a little view of my feelings about Christmas.

It’s not about the presents, though I love giving them, and I love it even more when I am able to include genuine sentimentality in the gifts I give. Gift giving has gotten a bad wrap (I’m laughing a little right now). It doesn’t matter what the gift you give costs, or if it met a certain price criteria. All that matters is that it was something you wanted to do for someone else, and that it made the other person feel good. One of the best gifts I have ever received was a knit hat that my husband’s aunt made me. I love that hat and I wear it all of the time. She gave it to me, because she knew I would love it. It was that simple.

It’s not about being perfect and throwing the best party. It’s about family, friends, love, joy, and having fun. If you aren’t having fun at this time of year, you are doing it wrong, or the people in your life are doing it wrong. Either way, someone’s doing it wrong. Now, there is an exception to the above “doing it wrong,” clause. When something happens to a loved one, that seems so unfair, the holidays can become a little bit trickier to enjoy.

On November 23^rd, my uncle had a stroke. He has been in the hospital ever since. I have cried so many tears this season and I have done a lot of thinking and reflecting. Before I go on to explain my conclusions regarding this Christmas season, I would like to state that I am still seeing the miracles of the season. My uncle was paralyzed on the right side and yesterday I saw him walk down the hallway of the hospital, using a cane. My heart is brimming with love, admiration, and thanks for this miraculous event.

Christmas is about being with the ones you love. It’s about seeing the people you care about and sharing special holiday moments together. It’s about making memories. If you aren’t with the ones you love, you can’t make those memories. My heart goes out to anyone who misses a moment with the people they cherish most, whether it is because of loss, distance, or some stupid fight. If it’s the latter, ask yourself if the anger and hurt is worth it. Maybe you are the one that has to lead by example. Christmas is a great time to forgive and move forward.

This Christmas, remember the simple joys. Seeing family whom you have not seen in a while. Drinking hot cocoa by the fireside. Going for a drive to look at Christmas lights. Attempting to carol through the neighborhood, even though you sound awful and have never caroled before. Sharing a kiss with the one you love, under the mistletoe. Taking a silly Christmas photo that will be remembered for years to come.

Merry Christmas! May the joy and magic of the season fill your cup full.