Christmas Cheer:

 Merry Christmas!

Hello friends, I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

As many of you know Christmas is finally here.  It got here so fast. Today I wanted to spend some time and chit chat about all things Christmas so…Grab a cup of hot coco and cookies and Let's unwrap some, “Christmas Cheer!”

Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday. It’s the best time of year to enjoy the seasonal food, drinks, festivities, and decor. The countdown brings so much glee as I impatiently wait beside the Christmas tree. Walking and driving around the neighborhoods to see all the houses lit up for Christmas makes it so much fun to celebrate this time of year. Laughing at how silly I look wrapping presents because I'm not very good. Decorating the Christmas tree while I make sure not to put the same colors too close to each other and getting grumpy because it always happens every year. Eating all the holiday cookies and ending up with a tummy ache because I ate too many. It’s always so cheerful this time of year but, 

It is also bittersweet…

Growing up Christmas always meant something to me,  it was always the time of year where everything slowed down and it seemed okay. Then I got older and I realized what Christmas means to me. Yes, it’s fun to decorate a tree, or go on an evening walk, watch movies, and eat food. It's about family. Many people go through different feelings, emotions, struggles,  and thoughts during this time of year. Luckily for me, I have something that makes Christmas so special to me and that is my family… more specifically my sister.  Every year we always make time and schedule a yearly Christmas trip, whether it's for just visiting her, Disney, or a small trip to go do all things Christmas. We always, no matter what make it a reality. We have our own little, “Traditions,” that we do and I want to share with you. We cook, bake, watch movies, listen to music, and decorate. We open presents on Christmas morning, and watch the Disney parade. We argue and grumble about the ornaments being too close, and laugh after because we don't really mind it. We drive around looking at lights and judging ourselves and want to put lights up too like their houses. We drink hot chocolate, and put on cheesy movies that have the same plotline, but secretly still enjoy them. Crying over how much we love each other as we open presents and hope we got what we wanted. Our favorite gift to each other was to never be alone during Christmas, This is our tradition….

Christmas doesn't have to be this glamorous, “Gift giver,” or, “Perfect Picture,” or even, “What present did I get.” It’s about never being alone. These traditions work because there is someone there to share it with. They don't have to be big traditions, or how many, or even can be small as long as you do what brings you the Christmas cheer. Family is what makes Christmas, and you don't have to have, “The perfect family.” It’s about sitting by the fire watching a movie, eating cookies, laughing because you ate too much, spilled your hot chocolate, and now you are grumpy because of a tummy ache. It’s about decorating with family as everyone laughs, or complains because, “The ornament is too close!” It’s about that furry friend that just wants pets and one more treat because their outfit is adorable and you can't resist. It’s about your home celebrating the fact you are together. It’s about no matter how big or small your family, your bloodline, or furry friend, is you aren't alone. Everyone has a different meaning of Christmas, they have struggles, and see life through different lenses. You can have struggles, challenges, and a hard season as long as you don't miss the true joy through it.

Maybe this year it can be about family, friends, furry pets, or  the fact that you survived another year. It’s important to not let it pass bye and miss it. That’s what makes it bittersweet, we lose ourselves because we get caught up in sadness, guilt, hopelessness, anger. You are allowed to feel what you need to feel you are allowed to hurt. 

BUT YOU CANNOT GIVE UP.

Don’t stay in that state, I stayed in that state because life changed, and I lost people in my life,  I'm not going to lie it hurt. Christmas is different from what I used to do as a child. But, I didn't stay there, I found something that made it special to me. I know it's hard, trust me, it's better to find that special thing, then to miss out year after year. 

Let’s remember to not miss out on this Christmas season. Cherish these memories, laughs, joy, sadness, anger, and what you need to feel. I wish you all a wonderful Christmas whether it’s at home, or away from home, you can make Christmas because you are never alone.

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"Dream the impossible and live it through."