Growing up my mom was an integral part of whatever community we lived in. She was either an influential teacher, principal, superintendent, or business owner. No matter what my mother's role in the community was she remained the mother to every lost child who came her way. I grew up watching my mom constantly extend her hand, her home, and her heart to anyone who needed it. We constantly had extra plates ready to set at the dinner table and homework time consisted of me, my siblings, and whoever needed extra help that night.
The holidays meant that our open doors and extra plate at the table became even more valuable. Just this year I was asked, "Who is going to be at your Thanksgiving dinner this year?" When I began to think about it I really had no idea and never had my whole life. Our house was the catch all house and this became even more true during the holiday season.
Every year our holiday dinners, traditions, and time are spent with our family and many other families. Some years my best friends spent the holidays with us so much they were counted into all of the traditions. No matter who joined us for the current holiday season my mom never just set an extra plate for them. She hung a stocking for them, made them bake cookies with us, they got a present under the tree, and she surrounded them with love. No matter if they didn't frequent our home the rest of the year, for the holiday season they were family in my home.
As I've gotten older I've came to realize just how selfless my mother really is. We have accepted all types of people in our house: young, old, homeless, rich, Republican, Democrat, religious, and non-religious. Growing up with such an open, loving house has made the holidays more special to me as an adult. Going home to greet my mom and see who will be part of our holiday season will always be the highlight of my holiday season.
