What do the holiday’s mean to me? There are so many things that I can say about how Christmas is special to me and what it means, but I will save you all the burden of giving a really long list. Instead I’ll try to sum it all up and keep it short.

Christmas is that time of year where you bring joy to the world. It’s a time of the year where everyone gathers around a fireplace or around the Christmas tree laughing and having a great time. This is a time to be able to give back to others especially to those who don’t have much and cannot afford to have nice things like we do. This is a great time to be selfless and do something great for someone else and give back. Nothing brings me more joy than seeing smiles on someone else’s face and knowing that someone else can go home safely and be with their family. Christmas isn’t just about the gifts and I know this sounds so cliche but I think people fail to see that. This is when we gather around and get together with our family and friends and all just have the time of our lives. This is a year to be merry and be thankful for what we have right in front of us. Materials are replaceable but human beings are not. I’m not a person who is really in it for the gifts and I do not expect to receive them. There were a couple of years where my parents could not even afford to give us gifts because most of the money went to the bills. So instead we would just wrap the empty boxes and put them under our tree. We would at least get one really cute little gift from them but I always understood that the bills were important. I was and will always be grateful to have parents who put a roof over our heads, put meals on the table, who gave me a bed to sleep on and made sure we had a proper education. When this year rolls around I always look forward to being able to buy gifts for others. I love being able to put a smile on someone's face. Nothing brings me more joy than having the chance to give back to other people. Christmas is great for hot coco and exchanging a conversation or two with family and friends. I am always thankful to be able to wake up another day and experience life. There is nothing I hold dear to my heart more than my family and friends. If I did not have them in my life I honestly do not know where I would be today.

So this year go and give the gift of joy and love. Give back to others especially who are less fortunate than us and spread cheer to everyone. Reflect back on what Christmas means to you. Put a smile on someone’s face and be thankful for what you already have. Be thankful and be merry with people that love you. Remember if you do feel alone there is always someone out there that cares and loves you. Merry Christmas to you all. I wish you nothing but joy and happiness.