A Change in Perspective

When I was younger, I thought Christmas was all about the presents. I thought that when I'd wake up and look under the tree, that what I found laying there was the most important thing. In the past few years recently, I lost a lot of loved ones I care about through Covid. Their losses have changed my perspective on what is actually important. What Christmas means to me is the warmth and care I feel for my friends, family, and Jesus Christ, because without that, what is Christmas even about?

A Message for Caretakers

A message I have for caretakers who choose to take care of others before taking time for themselves throughout the holidays is, you may not see it but to many you are Santa Clause. Mr. Clause is known for taking care of others and getting to know those who he cares for. Caretakers do the same, they stay at work on holiday days taking care of others and spending time with them in hopes to give others a magical Christmas. So to all the caretakers out there, thank you for being a Santa Clause to many and bringing magic into their lives.

The Magic of Writing Letters

In 7th grade, before Covid had become a huge threat to our country, my family wasn’t in the best financial state. So, I had to come up with a way to give my closest friends a gift with no expense. I decided to write letters to each of them describing or sharing what impact they had on me and how much I appreciated them. After giving it to them, they were very grateful but I felt like it wasn't enough. A couple years after this, I checked up on them and apparently they kept them and even hung them on a wall. All I did was say a few words, and that’s the best gift I ever gave anyone.

My Shooting Star

If I could wish on a shooting star, choose one single prayer to be answered, or have my penny-fountain wish come true, I would wish that my granny could read Luke Chapter One, verses 27-31 with my family. Every year on the 25th of December, my family gathers around the Christmas tree and reads “The Christmas Story” from the Bible. Unlike Christmases before, my granny is too sick to be home reading these verses with our little family. If I could have my one wish granted, I would wish, pray, and hope my sweet granny will be home for Christmas.

My Childhood is Fleeting

My Childhood is fleeting. The dark cold hands of life are gripping my teenage years waiting to pull the rug from under me. Yet, with this reality, I feel as if I have failed at making worthwhile the time I have left. That is why my Christmas wish is to remodel my old man cave. My grandfather, Stanley, built that man cave from the ground up, perfecting every detail, expressing every need for a man in one small shed. After his passing, it was left untouched, used for storage, left to rot. My grandfather wouldn’t want that. He’d want it to be thriving, being filled with friends and family, creating as many memories as the human mind can hold. He’d want me out there. Playing pool, drinking half cold drinks from a cooler, sharing stories of old friends as we sit by that old propane heater cherishing it and making the most of it, just like he did so long ago.

Sharing Christmas with Someone

This year, I will be sharing Christms with someone who is extra far away. Every year on Christmas Eve, my family and I would go to my Nana’s house and celebrate with her. It was the highlight of my holidays. However, last year, on December 22nd, my Nana moved somewhere farther away than I ever thought she would: Heaven. We had her funeral on Christmas Eve that way we would still be able to spend our day with her. This year, a massive hole will be in our hearts as we have to spend the day without her, but we will still celebrate just as I know she is with Jesus, until we can all be together again.

It's Okay to Not be Okay

For anyone that might be feeling lonely or sad this year on the holidays, I have a message for you. It’s okay to not be okay. We all have our bad days but remember what the holidays are about: spending quality time with loved ones, the birth of Christ, and giving. These moments will fill your heart with joy. Although you’re sad, love and laughter will always be a place to just let go of that sadness, even if it’s just for a split second. It will count in the end. If you’re feeling lonely, remember Christ is with you at all times. He can feel your lonesome moments. Always remember, if you feel sad or lonely this Christmas, it is okay to not be okay. The love you will fill from Christ will fill those voids.

Everything Slows Down

Christmas is a time that when it comes around, everything slows down. Yet, everything flies by. It’s a time when the talks on the porch take place by the fireplace, a time when the kindness of others extends further than it used to; when life-long rivalries are subdued with a gift. But, most importantly, it is a time where we look at each other and don’t see the bad. We don’t have space for gifts and hate at the same time. And here, the good rules over the bad. It is a time you can’t just let go by or easily ignore.