If I had to sum up this Christmas season with a single word, it would be grateful.
There are so many times that I take those around me for granted, but I’ve felt especially grateful for my job, my family and life in general this Christmas season.
It’s so easy to get bogged down in the day-to-day that I unknowingly become frustrated and bitter, so I’ve made a mental effort to be mindful of my blessings as December comes to a close.
There’s been no need for an “It’s a Wonderful Life” moment or a visit from the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come this year.
Sometimes even something as simple as driving with the heat on in my truck, knowing some have neither a vehicle for transportation nor a place to be warm, can bring you to the realization that you are blessed beyond measure.
My wife, Emily, and I went for a walk on Christmas afternoon and she asked me what my favorite part of the day had been. Just being with my immediate family for our traditional breakfast and opening gifts together that morning was truly the best part of my day.
From baking and decorating gingerbread cookies with my wife, playing a board game with Emily’s family in Tennessee, opening Pokémon cards with my brother, Tanner, and eating lunch at Cracker Barrel with my grandmother, Beth, the week of Christmas brought me a sense of joy that I hope to carry into the new year.