Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas

This Christmas is the first in a LONG time when I find myself unable to buy gifts for my family. I am pretty saddened by this, but it has been helpful for me to think about the meaning of this season and to focus on the purpose of these annual celebrations. Here is a list of reasons why I love the holidays that has nothing to do with buying or receiving gifts:

1. Seeing my family, especially the little guys
2. The warmth of the light off of the Christmas tree late at night
3. Hanging around in pajamas all morning and not feeling the need to change
4. Eating something red and green on Christmas Eve
5. Talking, laughing and spending time with the people who know me best and accept me for all of my strengths and all of my limitations
6. Christmas music (I haven't heard nearly enough of this yet this year)
7. Taking time away from all extraneous obligations
8. Getting ready for a whole new year, full of potential for happiness and peace
9. Warm living rooms with frosted windows keeping the cold away
10. Feeling a little bit like a kid again