What are the holidays truly about? For me, the holidays are a special time to spend with the ones you love and make as many memories as you can. A lot of people think it’s some contrast for how many presents you get or buy. That’s about how much money you spend. The holidays are different for everyone, but one thing that holds true is to spend them with the ones you love. That does not mean it has to be blood-related; it can be a second family or friends.
Human connection is so important for us as humans, mentally and physically, and the holidays are the perfect time to spend that with one another.
People always say we take time for granted, but we don’t realize how true that statement is until it happens to us. Time is so precious to us; it’s all that life is, and we only have so much of it. We are all just trying to get as much time as possible, and the best way to spend time is by creating memories.
My grandma is always watching Christmas movies, and when I say this, I mean it. She is always watching at least some Christmas-related film twice a week. Christmas has always meant so much to her. When I asked to tell me word-for-word what the holiday meant to her, she said, “Putting up your special Christmas tree and your special ornaments that you’ve had over the years. Decorating the tree and putting up lights on your tree outside, and decorating together as a family with your loved ones, singing Christmas songs, and listening to Christmas music. I love coming up with new Christmas games so I can share them with the whole family. And the special Christmas dinner that we all share together. Celebrating the birth of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
I guess that’s why I associate the holiday so heavily with her. The music, food, movies, lights, etc. It all reminds me of her. All of my memories of Christmas have my grandma in them. She always wanted to make the holiday season feel special for us when we were kids, and I would say she absolutely nailed that wish. Some of my most fond memories are going to Snow Heaven and riding the carriage ride, watching movies in the living room, going out at night to ride in the car while singing songs and looking at lights, seeing my family’s reaction to the gifts I got them, giving back to those in need by volunteering or donating, and the Gasligth Thearter.
This year, I truly hope to make it as special as she has tried to make it for everyone else she cares about.
In summary, make sure to take the time for yourself and your loved ones this year, and make as many memories as you can. You never know when time is done, so make the most of it with the ones you love and have a happy holiday.
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Seán Colbert is an inspiring writer trying to hopefully turn his hobby in to his career one day. Sean loves anything to do with the writing industry and has been his passion since he was in middle school.
