Christmas Through My Eyes

What Christmas Means to Me Personally Christmas, to me, is about appreciation. It is about gratitude for my family—by family, I mean my husband, my kitties, my closest friends, and my brothers and sisters. As life changes and our parents are no longer with us, sibling relationships can change too. Bonds shift, competition can arise, and sometimes conversations become filled with strong opinions, unsolicited advice, and misunderstandings. Being the youngest in the family often means being told what is “right,” even when I didn’t ask. Because of that, I’ve learned to focus most of my energy on my primary family: my husband, my cats, and the few close friends who truly know me. I speak to many people, but only a small number are allowed into my world. That world is filled with laughter, a little craziness, moments of doubt, deep love, silliness, inspiration, exaggeration, and always goals. I strive every year to become a better version of myself than I was the year before. Christmas reminds me to pause and acknowledge that journey—and the people who walk alongside me through it. This season is my way of saying thank you. Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for choosing to be part of it. I am deeply grateful for my marriage. It isn’t perfect, but it is real, strong, and built on years of working through challenges together. I’m also thankful for my cats, who bring comfort after demanding workdays with their presence, affection, and playful chaos. I hold special gratitude for a small circle of friends—those who know exactly who they are. You have stood by me during intense moments, difficult seasons, and lighthearted times alike. Your kindness, loyalty, and support mean more than words can express. I am thankful for my sisters as well, even though we don’t spend Christmas together. Distance and separate families keep us apart during the holidays, but I make time for them throughout the year and always try to make our moments together meaningful. Yes, they can be exhausting at times with their strong opinions and advice, especially when it isn’t welcomed—but family is complicated. We’ve shared both good and difficult memories, and I’m grateful for them all because they helped shape who we are today. Ultimately, Christmas to me is about acknowledging the daily efforts people make—the ways they show up, guide me through hard decisions, challenge my opinions, and offer different perspectives. Even when those views cause me to rethink, revise, and then decide for myself, I am thankful. Christmas is a reminder to appreciate every effort, every presence, and every connection that helps me grow and reminds me I’m not walking this life alone.