You know that feeling when all the present shopping is done, you finally make it to your holiday destination with family, and you can take a moment to sit in the season and feel the spirit of the holiday and then time stands still, even if just for a moment. The world outside seems to quiet down, and all that matters is the warmth inside, the people, the laughter, the smells of something baking in the oven. It’s a feeling I’ve carried with me since childhood and one I hope my own family will cherish as much as I do.
For me, home during the holidays isn’t just a place it’s a collection of moments. It’s the sound of Christmas carols playing faintly in the background, the hum of conversation in the kitchen, and the inevitable roar of laughter from a funny story told for the hundredth time. It’s the glow of the tree lights reflecting in the windows and the comforting smell of cinnamon candles burning on the counter.
But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that not everyone I love can always gather under the same roof. Family moves away, schedules get hectic, and some chairs at the table are left empty for reasons that tug at the heart. Missing family during the holidays is never easy, but it has taught me a deep sense of gratitude for the moments I do get.
This season, I’ve been reflecting on how important it is to be present. With the chaos of daily life, it’s so easy to let moments slip by unnoticed. But when we sit down together, share a meal, or even just a cup of coffee, those moments become the memories that we carry forward.
And then there’s the true meaning of Christmas. Amid the gifts and glitter, it’s easy to forget the reason we celebrate in the first place. For me, Christmas is about love. The love of family, the love we share with others, and most importantly, the love that was given to us through the birth of Jesus. That reminder keeps me grounded when the world around me feels so fast-paced and noisy.
This year, I want to hold onto what really matters: the values that shape who we are and how we treat one another. Gratitude, kindness, and faith don’t need to come wrapped in a bow—they show up in the way we welcome each other into our homes, in the words we speak, and in the way we listen.
If you’re feeling nostalgic or missing someone this holiday season, know that you’re not alone. Reach out to the people you love, even if it’s just a phone call or a handwritten note. Be present with the ones who are near, and let yourself truly feel the joy and the bittersweet moments that come with this time of year.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, the messiest, most imperfect moments are the ones we remember most. And isn’t that what makes them so special?
So, as we gather this season, let’s embrace the love in our homes, the memories we’ve made, and the hope for all the moments yet to come.
Merry Christmas, from my home to yours.
