Make the most of every Christmas moment - while it lasts

This time of year is a time that many look forward to all year long. The air is crisp, the snow is falling, and the neighbors may be warmer than usual. My family is savoring every cup of hot chocolate, every Christmas song, and every snowflake landing in the grass (or, at least my three-year-old likes the snow). We are happy that December is finally here, and we are trying to appreciate all of the goodness that this month has to offer, but we are especially appreciating time spent with family. 

My favorite Christmas memories growing up were always the ones spent with family. We would get together with all of my aunts, uncles, cousins and Grandparents to reenact The Nativity. We’d dress up in costumes, sing songs, and act it out like we were professionals. Somehow, my Grandparents were able to convince Santa Claus to stop by every year. Santa would ask each of us what we wanted for Christmas and give us each a present. Now, I love spending time with my husband and our kids, but I really enjoy getting my kids together with their cousins to celebrate as well.

Each year when we get together with our siblings and parents, we always have a blast watching home videos, playing card games, and eating way too much food. We tell stories and reminisce about “the good old days”. We enjoy our time spent together, but it’s easy to notice those that aren’t able to be with us.

A lot can change from one Christmas to the next. Unfortunately, those that are celebrating with us this year may not be next year, because who knows what the future holds. We used to celebrate Christmas with my husband’s Uncle, Delbert, every year. Delbert was known as the “gentle giant” since he stood six feet, nine inches tall.  He was the sweetest, happiest, and coolest guy you’d ever meet. Unfortunately, Delbert passed away a few summers ago unexpectedly, and no Christmas since then has been the same. Sure, we have plenty of fun, but if we had known that that Christmas was going to be the last spent together, we would have savored the holiday a little more.

So, this year, take too many photos and videos… of everyone. Force the kids to sit next to each other and make the adults smile in the photos. Make too much food, stay up too late talking, and watch family home videos together. Cherish the moments with your loved ones and soak in the magic of every moment.

Published in The Tremonton Leader in December 2018