An entire month since I last posted. An entire season. I'm disappointed with myself but with finals completed and now surrounded by the comforts of home, I can dedicate some time to expressing my feelings about the holidays. My family welcomed the season by watching Miracle on 34th Street (the original version), my favorite Christmas movie for its 1940s feel and message that reaches all ages, that "Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to."
I remember the feeling of going to bed on Christmas Eve when I was little, of course after leaving cookies and milk and carrots for the reindeer. The fluttering excitement of wondering what Santa would stack under the tree. Once the morning finally arrived, my sister and I eagerly clamored down the stairs to read the note that reminded us to share our gifts and indicated whose presents were wrapped in which paper. Tearing each one open, I couldn't believe that Santa had remembered everything on my list.
Years later, I am still excited about the following day but for different reasons. Although there is always the thrill of opening gifts, I look forward to attending Christmas Eve mass, giving what I have thoughtfully picked out for my family, and spending a long, cozy day at home. As Christmas is such a commercialized day and the traffic of shoppers continues to baffle me, I revel in the traditions that my family has developed over the years. For I believe memories are the greatest gifts and to have the opportunity to return to them and relive them annually is the most significant aspect of the holidays.
