On Holidays, Family and Friends...

The holidays are upon us. The last two months of the year, holding the largest family gathering holidays we know: Thanksgiving and Christmas. The media would have us believe that these are some of the worst times we can have, but I think differently. These two holidays are some of the best and most important times for me, because I get to spend them with family.

Since I was a young boy, I’ve always loved the big family gatherings. My parents both have fairly large families, so during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays there was never a shortage of excitement in our homes. Children running through the house, folks in the kitchen preparing the different components of dinner, small groups of people engrossed in conversation, some of the men of the family would gather round the television to watch the game. We always had potluck-style dinners at these gatherings, with each family bringing a different part of the meal. I would think this is the norm for more families than mine, but can’t be certain.

The importance of these holidays does not fall on the spiritual side. For me, the importance lies with family. Being able to get as many family members in one place as you can, spending as much time in an evening as you can, everyone enjoying each other’s company; that’s what is important to me about the holidays. I’ll say it again: Family is important. Spending time with family is important.

I happen to know quite a few people who have family, but they’re spread across the country or otherwise out of touch. Some of them still get to have the family experience during the holidays, because friends are as important as family to some. I’m one of those people. If I know someone is going to be alone for a holiday, I’ll do my best to include them in at least part of the holiday festivities. My friends are my family as much as my actual family is, and I don’t believe in spending a holiday alone.

What I’m trying to say is enjoy your family. Spend the holidays with them if you can. Be with your friends if your family isn’t available. Include friends in your family function if you can. I know I will.

Happy Thanksgiving,

~J