Mom and Dad,
First off, Happy Holidays! I am so excited to be finishing up finals and to be returning home to you soon. As this Christmas season is one of the last times that I will be home for such an extended period of time, I am having the bittersweet feeling of this chapter of our lives coming to a close, as well as the realization of the gratitude that I owe you. This Christmas season is especially valuable because this is one of the last that we will spend together under the same roof. I also admit how eye-opening it is because I realize all of the amazing things that you have done for me. I have so much gratitude for you as my parents, and so with this letter, I thank you.
Thank you for the simple things -- a warm bed to sleep in, a home-cooked meal every night -- and for giving me all the great opportunities that you have. From the attendance at my endless sporting events and various extracurricular activities, to putting up with me throughout the dark ages of puberty, you stood by my side beaming with pride. More importantly, thank you for giving me the chance to attend one of the best schools and allowing me to gain a quality education. The endless sacrifices that you have made and continue to make for me are astounding, and I can’t even imagine how and if I could ever make it up to you.
Thank you for instilling values in me that I will carry on throughout the rest of my life. Thank you for teaching me the importance of diligence and hard work. Watching you consistently work hard to provide the best for your family was not only impressive, but it was also inspiring. If I could grow up to have even half of your work ethic, I would be astonished and amazed. Thank you for teaching me the values of kindness and service to others. By showing me the importance of always having courage and kindness, you have raised me to value the importance of helping others and humility. Most importantly, thank you for raising me to value the importance of family. From the endless family game nights, to movie marathons, and most importantly, constant and endless support for one another, I have cherished every moment -- from the calm to the chaotic -- of being your child and being a member of this family.
Thank you for making not only every Christmas special, but every single day special. Thank you for the constant love and support. Thank you for challenging me to be a better child and, even more importantly, a better person. Thank you for the endless and valuable life lessons that you have instilled in me and for the many that you have left to teach me. I can’t imagine better parents or better role models. I can only hope to be half the parent that you are some day.
So, Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad, and thank you for being the best parents a girl could ask for.
Love always,
Your daughter
