Christmas just passed, my favorite time of the year now gone. Christmas was a rough one for me this year. I love this holiday because of all of the traditions it holds, but this year it was not the same. Last year, my immediate family went to Hawaii over winter break, so all the traditions I missed out of last year I was really looking forward to.
Meagan, my cousin, more like sister, was not home this year. I spend almost every moment of Christmas with her. We sing in our church's choir, so we attend three church services every Christmas, just the two of us. We make cookies, sing songs, we even wear matching pajamas. She was with her boyfriends family this year. Of course I am more than happy for her, but I still really missed her. Everything was different this year without her there. I was sad, but still looking forward to seeing all of my other family.
Well, I was wrong. On their way up to Nazareth from Cape May, New Jersey, my grandparents got sick. They turned around and never made it to our Christmas. I was beyond devastated. Not only did I miss out on seeing my favorite people, but I had to wait extra long for my grandma's cookies, the food they bring, and their amazing gifts. They always the greatest gifts because they always have such a special meaning. My grandparents are very near and dear to my heart. I share so much of my life with them, I relate to them both in a way I do no one else.
So, my Christmas was very different this year. Once again, however, I realized my love for my family. The holidays are my favorite time of the year because of them, not just because of all of the charades. I have such a connection with them that I do not share with anyone else. Meagan, my Poppop and my Grandmas in particular. I could go on and on about how much they have impacted my life and how amazing they are, but that is not my point. I am so incredibly thankful for them all, I could never imagine my life without them. I hope while you're reading this that you have people coming to mind. If not, start thinking now. Family is important, never forget that, and never take it for granted.
I'm sorry you weren't able to have all of your family with you this Christmas. Most of my siblings are already in or graduated college, and I'm still not used to how quiet and empty the house feels. The only time I can experience it again is during holidays, and even though they are still as annoying as I remember them, it's nice to have them back again. We often don't realize how much people or things mean to us until we can't have them anymore, and it's important to cherish and be thankful for it.
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