Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more...

I woke up this morning to something sweet that my sister wrote that I would like to share.  So feel free to leave a comment and show some love to our guest blogger :)

                                                    

You know the Grinch says, “Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.” Not that I didn't think that before, but this Christmas really proved that for me. A few days before Christmas, my oldest sister went into the hospital and ended up being admitted and had surgery. My brother-in-law said he didn't think he would need help, and he would be okay caring for my one year old niece (it is his daughter after all), and I totally respect him for that. He was caring for my niece and taking stuff to my sister. The night of her surgery, December 23^rd he called and said he may need someone after all. So around 6:30 PM my mom called and asked if I would go. I immediately got my stuff together and went to my aunt’s house. We left that night and didn't arrive till around 11:30 PM. She left the next morning and my sister also came home from the hospital that same morning. I really saw my brother-in-law step up and show what a husband is supposed to be. He was being so sweet to my sister and all without a single complaint.  

During the day I helped my brother-in-law wrap their Christmas presents. I had obviously thought about how different this Christmas Eve would be, but didn't realize what an impact it would have. All of my Christmas presents were left at home, which is no problem. We grew up in a Christian home, believing in the birth of Jesus. So yes, gifts are nice but we also knew the real reason for the season. However, we still did Santa Claus in my house, and still do for my youngest brother. This year I was looking forward to waking up and actually being able to come down stairs and see the excitement in his face, especially since I think this may be the last year or so believing in Santa. As I won’t be there to experience this, I hope this is a very memorable Christmas for him, and well, everyone in my family.

With all that being said, I will finally get to the point of writing this. I've heard several times, and in many ways, to appreciate the small things in life. Boy did I really learn this the past few days. I learned just how blessed I am to even receive gifts and have a Christmas because some never can. I enjoyed wrapping and setting things out for my sister’s family. I know they were looking forward to this being their first Christmas alone as a family, but I’m kind of glad I get to experience A’s first Christmas. I know this will be a good Christmas and they will do their best to make it a good one for me as well. For instance, my sister felt bad I won’t have any presents to open so she first offered to let me help open some of hers. But before she went to bed, I came in here to find her putting my gift from them (which I had already seen) in her own stocking, and laying it out so I would have something to open. That was very thoughtful and one of the nicest things anyone’s ever done for me. It really is the smallest things that make you thankful, even stepping out of the shower to see my niece’s tiny hand prints all over the steamy mirror made me smile. The events of these past few days have really made me think about a lot, and made me realize I have so much more to be thankful for. I pray my family and friends have a wonderful day and enjoy the holidays; and to anyone who reads this, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

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