I just finished up my first semester as a senior in high school. My mother, yesterday and in the days prior, has constantly said, "this is your last Christmas with us," which, of course, in a literal sense she is completely inaccurate; however, in a figurative one she could be right.

I have had a lot of time to think these past few days, after finals. I have explored my past and my present and discovered many of my fondest memories of Christmas are the cornerstones of making each one so special. Walking down the stairs holding hands with my sister to see what Santa had brought us, eating a casserole that my mom makes right after we open presents, making my way back up the steps with all of my gifts and neatly placing them in my over organized room: this is Christmas to me. So, what is Christmas to you?

My mothers worries are rooted in the fact that people change and memories fade, but love never dies. Love is remembering all the times that I could never forget even if I tried.

Christmas is a time to forget all the obscure complications that make life difficult and interesting and focus on what truly matters- the people that made you who you are and love you because you are.

So, if you are an middle schooler going in high school, high schooler going off to college, graduated student having kids, or any other person that is in the mix of life please I implore you to take a moment- during this wonderful season- to remember that no matter how far away your dreams take you, home is where you decorated the Christmas tree, hung the garland, and drank coco watching Santa Clause.

Home is where every story begins and there is no good book without the first chapter. Let Christmas remind you of yours.