I lost my Great Grandma Jane almost 4 years ago. She was the person in my life that I related Christmas to the most. I wasn't close to her as a young child, but early on in my adolescence I became much closer to her. So much closer to her that when she was really sick, I was one of the few people who took care of her.
Prior to falling ill, we had Christmas Eve parties every year in the log cabin that she called home. The outside was always decorated rather simply, but when you went inside there wasn't an inch of wall space that wasn't covered with family pictures, Christmas decorations, and other miscellaneous items. Her tree was small, but always perfect.
We could just barely fit all of us inside the cabin, but we still managed. There was tons of food and lots of small presents and family that I really only saw on this day every year. Grandma Jane found a way to make time for all of us. Her Christmas spirit rubbed off on my mom and on me as well.
Now that she has been gone for a few years, I am no longer as sad, but December is the hardest month. No Christmas Eve parties, most of our family rarely talks since she passed, no ornaments with all of us great-grandkids names on them, no crowded log cabin, and no more of her.
Although it hurts a lot as we get closer to Christmas, I am so glad that I had those times with her. I am so glad that I had her in general. She made me realize how important family was and how Christmas should be celebrated. One day, I hope to give that same sense of nostalgia to my own family. The best Christmas present I have ever been given was the chance to be loved by her.
Though it may be painful, I hope that all of you have someone (who has passed away or who is living) that you associate with your happiest Christmas memories. For me, it was Grandma Jane.
I will love you forever, Grandma Jane.