To Cherish Christmas in the Past, Present and Future.

While Santa tiptoes around the living room quietly, I spy my dog, Miles sniffing for the fuzzy new tennis ball awaiting at the bottom of his Christmas stocking.  Even my calendar dog is excited about what tomorrow will bring. It’s truly hard to believe that Christmas has come around once again.  In such quick time, my kids have grown into pseudo adults. I stare at the colorful piles of presents in the living room feeling like we are at a crossroads of time. I can truly embrace the theme of this year's Christmas card as I ponder the essence of our Christmas Past, Present and the Future to come.

At one time, big boxes of Legos and Playmobils covered the floor while now; small little boxes of techie treasures will fill their happy Christmas hearts.  I think back to a year that brought about many of the adventures that come with adolescence and I know that if they are ok, then so are we as parents.  To provide a healthy childhood for our kids is really the best gift we can give them.  And now, sitting somewhere around the halfway point of life and child rearing, I cherish them more than I ever could have imagined.  It doesn’t stop there however. I find myself using the word cherish a lot these days. It’s really become an important part of who I am.

Every day, I cherish the man I see coming up the path after riding his bicycle home from a long day of work. I cherish the friends that have become close and those that have given me a chance despite my many quirks. I cherish good health and wish it upon everyone I know.  I cherish my craft for the adventures it brings. 

No matter what gift sits under the Christmas tree, each one is born out how we cherish each other, and that’s more important than what is actually in the box.  That feeling you get as you see it all unfold, is the real gift. Merry Christmas and may you have a wonderful time with your family.