As an out-of-state college student, I appreciate the month long Christmas break that I get to be home with everyone. Christmas is a wonderful time to be with family and friends. The holiday season is a wonderful time to sit around with family, give presents, and eat delicious food and desserts.
For me, Christmas is an extra special time. My family and I are close knit and Christmas is one of our favorite times together. I appreciate the time I get with my parents, my aunts, uncles, and cousins, especially since now we’re all older and busier, it can be a challenge to get together sometimes.
For some people, however, the holidays aren’t a good time for them. Respect the people who don’t want to participate in holiday festivities. And please, don’t shove it down their throats or yell at them for not having the same “holiday spirit.”
It’s okay for people to not enjoy the holidays. It can be a hard time for people.
The holidays are not all that merry or enjoyable for others because of personal reasons. Some people may have lost their parents or loved ones during this season. Whatever the reason, it’s important to respect the people who don’t enjoy this time of year.
Along those lines, it’s important to realize how important your family can be if you’re fortunate enough to still have most of your family here.
Three years ago, as a freshman in college, hundreds of miles away from home, my mother was in the hospital. It felt like the hundredth time since she had been in and out of the hospital since I was a sophomore in high school. It was always challenging and hard when I was in high school, but I was still able to see her since it was just a twenty minute drive away.
After so many times in the hospital, I was extremely worried that it would be wearing her out too much. I was scared that she wouldn’t be home for the holiday season. I was scared that we’d be missing a person at the dinner table and in the living room while we opened presents and all got to be together.
When I left work one night during my freshman year, I got a few missed calls from my dad. I frantically called back, with my mom answering his cell phone. Was she just answering his phone while they were at the hospital?
No. They were in the car, on their way home.
I was ecstatic to hear that Mom would actually be at home when I finished finals and that she would be able to be with our family on Christmas.
I’m thankful every day that my mom is still here. It’s been almost two years since she was last in the hospital. If there’s anything I learn from Christmas and the holiday season, it’s to appreciate the time that I have with my family and my friends. There’s only so much time we have with them. And if you know someone who has a hard time during the holiday season, please be kind to them. Show them the love they need and deserve during this holiday season.
