During the holidays it is easy to get caught up in all of the commercialism of gifts. And it is fun to buy gifts for people, it is one of my favorite things about this season, but it is not the main reason to celebrate. As a Christian, I indeed celebrate the birth of Our savior, but I also celebrate those who are close to me as well. All to often the holidays are also a reminder of all whom we have lost through out the years.
Last Christmas may not have been the worst, but it was close. So this year, I was determined to make this holiday season good. No, great. And sometimes that is what we have to do in life. We have to make a decision to enjoy ourselves. We have to make an effort, every day, to smile. to be thankful, to be gracious. Because it could always be worse, which is not a theory I want to test after the last few years.
And when we make that decision to enjoy what is around us, our whole outlook changes. Last year, as the first Christmas without both parents, there was not too much too enjoy, as grief seemed to not only be at the table, but on the couch, on the bed, and moved in completely. This year, was going to be different, dammit.
So there was decorations, and a real tree, that leaned a little too far to the right. There were also friends invited over to enjoy. Because the holidays must be spent with those we love and who love us. So it would be my family of choice, And they did not let me down. And more friends over for Christmas dinner.
And so it was Christmas day, and there was a flurry of activity from the kitchen. One of my best friends and my man, all prepping and helping get food ready. And there was a ton of food. All kinds of yummies. I made some of my mother’s favorite things.
And when it was all ready, and the table was set, I saw how blessed I am. There, sitting at the family dinner table I have been sitting at since I was a little girl, the table that is now at my house, were my family of choice. My best friends who had come to share in good food, good drinks and lots of love for Christmas.
And after the meal, when the left overs were taken home, and everyone’s had full bellies, and all had left for the night, I looked out again mt my wrecked, messy kitchen and saw the best gift ever – love. There it as, staring back at me through dirty dishes piled up in the sick and all across the kitchen counter. And I loved it.
Life is short. Appreciate all those dirty dishes, because that means you have people who love you with whom to share your meals. And love is the best dish, and gift, of all.
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