Presence is the best present

Holiday carols, Christmas trees and dazzling decorations in every corner. For some kids, one of the best feelings is having beautifully wrapped presents under the tree, that you get to open on Christmas day. I know firsthand that not every family celebrates Christmas, and that “celebration” means different things to different cultures and families. For my childhood, Christmas was a time to reflect on our core values.

As a single child from a small family, my memories of Christmas didn’t involve having a tree in the living room, decorations, or presents from family (or Santa Claus). Like many children though, I dreamed of opening presents. I would gather my favourite toy cars a couple days before Christmas, put them in a box and wrap it up so that I could have a present to open on Christmas morning. Just like how my friends would.

Christmas consisted of a big dinner that my grandparents would prepare for our family celebration. I was always reminded to be grateful for what you have, and to cherish the people in your family and being able to celebrate together.

Now, 30 years later, I see Christmas through the eyes of my three-year-old daughter, Jaime. On any given day, she believes that the “smoke" trailing from an airplane is Santa on his sleigh, flying by with his reindeers. Christmas morning now consists of a hot cup of cocoa, and opening presents in matching holiday pajamas with my loving wife and two daughters. We celebrate Christmas in the evening with my wife’s big family which is filled with lots of little kids, laughter, and a secret Santa gift exchange. This holiday season, I find myself teaching Jaime the same message that was passed onto me.

Be grateful for what you have, appreciate loved ones, and love one another unconditionally.