The first trip back home for the holidays is always something I never thought would be such a big deal, but trust me it is. I never thought I would be counting down the days to be home with my family, but here I am crossing every day off my list.

As much as you don't like saying it, I know you can’t wait to see your mom deck your house out in Christmas lights and hear all the Christmas music blaring. As much as your family might annoy you, you'll love every minute of it. From all your relatives coming in, to the crazy Christmas party you'll have with your friends, you will be smiling with joy that you are home.

As I come home from the holidays this year, it truly makes me realize how much I didn’t appreciate being all together before I was gone. As much as I hate everyone squeezing into a car or the constant arguing during holiday shopping, this year I will smile. I will enjoy all the crazy moments and take all the good times in. I can’t wait to sit back and see all the smiling faces around. Christmas is truly a time to love our God and our family, and I think we take that for granted sometimes.

So this Holiday season hug your family a little tighter and take in every moment of it. Because if you don’t, I promise on your ride back home you'll be wishing you were back to day one.

Happy Holidays everyone!