Christmas Time

It's Christmas Eve, and the day is winding down. It's been a hectic day full of last minute shopping, family, and food. Everyone in my house is snuggled into their nice warm beds, and I'm sitting here enjoying the quiet. Christmas is less than half an hour away. I'm preparing myself for all the craziness that comes with the holidays. But today, I've been thinking a lot about the whole meaning of family during Christmas. This started when I was at church earlier this evening.

I'll set the mood for you. My Mom, Dad, Grandma, and I sat in the pew of our little, white Finnish church. Every pew stuffed full of people because it's the Christmas Eve service. Pastor Kevin just got done lighting a candle in the hand of each person at the head of the pew, who then lit the next person's and so on. The lights have been dimmed and there is a soft lull of the piano in the background as we all sing Silent Night.

I'm lost in the flickering of my candle light, when my mom nudges me. I look up to see a family in the pew in front in front of me embracing each other. There was a Mom, Dad, and little girl not much older than five. As Silent Night comes to an end, the little girl reaches up to her dad and taps him on the shoulder. He turns to look at her and she kisses him softly on the cheek. She then turns to her mother and does the same. This moment made me think about how important family is, especially during the holiday seasons

The effect of losing someone you love is especially evident during the holidays. My Grandma has been having a tough time over the past few years during Christmas time because my Uncle Bob passed away in 2007. The singing of Silent Night during Christmas Eve always makes her cry. My Grandpa Marvin passed away on June 20th 2010. This is my second Christmas without him. I miss him so much everyday, and it's hard not having him celebrate the holidays with me. It's so weird not having him here, but then again I'm extremely lucky to have the family I do have. I have a loving Mother and Father who would drop anything in a second if I was in need of help. I have grandparents who love me to the moon and back, and an extended family who cares so much about me. I can't imagine what it would be like not having the family I've been blessed with. There are thousands of people out there that don't have a family to keep them happy daily. And this becomes extremely difficult for them during the holiday season. I wish everyone had a family who cared about them this time of year. Actually, I wish everyone in the world had a loving, caring family every day of the year. I know I cannot help them, but I wish that everyone would be happy this time of year. Christmas shouldn't be a sad time of year.

I'm not in need of anything spectacular for Christmas this year. I didn't ask for much. All I really want this year is for everyone to be happy. My big Christmas wish is for no one to be sad on Christmas day. This is a time for happiness.

Merry Christmas everyone!