Carolyn
On Christmas Eve, I was busy helping Mom in the kitchen, baking cookies and preparing all her famous dishes for our holiday meal.
On Christmas Eve, I was busy helping Mom in the kitchen, baking cookies and preparing all her famous dishes for our holiday meal. As we worked side by side, just like every year, reminiscing filled the air. Mom started telling me stories from Christmas past, like the year I was 5 and insisted the Little Drummer Boy was hiding under the tree. I laughed at the memory but also felt grateful for our traditions. Once the cooking was done, we sat down to wrap the last few presents together. I had bought Mom a delicate necklace I thought she would love but as I watched her laugh while recalling fond memories, I realized the best gift was the time we shared. She must have seen the thoughtfulness in my face because she gave me a warm hug and said "Being with you is the greatest present of all." That night, surrounded by family, I knew how blessed we were to create new memories while holding on to old ones close to our hearts. As silver and white sparkled outside the window, I leaned into Mom, smiling, and thought about how grateful I felt for our unbreakable bond and the joy we found in each other every Christmas.
