I'm sure that all of us have a particular Christmas that was our favorite. Perhaps it was because we got that special present that we wanted more than anything. Or maybe it was a special Christmas just because your whole family got together and celebrated.
Regardless, one thing that I have noticed as I have grown up is how Christmas changes with age. When I was younger, I was mainly excited for Christmas because it meant presents. And I'm sure that is what most kids enjoy the most about Christmas. However, now that I'm older and the allure of getting that "it" gift has subsided, I see a different side to the holiday.
While I have always enjoyed seeing my family on Christmas, it is something that I took for granted. As I have gotten older so have my other relatives. My cousins have both moved away from home and gotten married, so they aren't always able to make it to family events. I've had great-grandparents pass away and family members get divorced. And I know that I'm not far behind from moving off once I graduate from college.
One thing that I've heard from my parents for years is how they enjoy giving gifts much more than receiving them. I'm not going to lie, for a while I thought that statement was absurd. But now that I am older and have been able to earn my own money, I've begun to see their side of things. There is something special and exciting about buying a loved one a gift that you know they will enjoy. As my Christmas lists have changed from toys to more traditional adult gifts, I literally asked my mom to get me socks for Christmas this year, I now enjoy the act of gift giving more than receiving. I don't know if there is a better feeling in the world than giving your mom a gift on Christmas that you spent your own hard-earned money on or created yourself. You will probably never see someone smile bigger in your entire life.
As another Christmas approaches, I hope that everyone takes some extra time to appreciate their family and realize that eventually you likely won't be able to get everyone to come together in celebration. And I know that as college students finances can be tight, but often times giving family members homemade gifts means more than any store bought present ever could.
I wish all of you a happy holidays and very Merry Christmas!