Hey.

I'm feeling pretty sentimental this holiday season, so I figured this week's article should be pretty sappy. The truth is, my life has changed drastically in the last couple of years, and not all of it was good. I've been through some of the toughest things in my life, and even now I'm still healing. These thoughts weigh heavily on me this time of year, because the holidays aren't what they used to be now that I've grown up and things in my personal life are so different. That being said, only one thing has remained consistent: you.

This will be our third Christmas together, and I'm so happy to be celebrating it on our own, and in our own apartment. I can't believe how far we've come since the giggles and inside jokes of high school. That being said, there are some things I wanted to thank you for.

Thank you for always being by my side, through thick and thin. I know the last couple of years have been crazy, but you've never given up on me, and that says a lot.

Thank you for making me laugh. No matter how upset or stressed out I am, you always find a way to put a smile on my face.

Thank you for proving that you're serious about me. You budget, and work hard, and plan for our future. You make me feel so secure in our relationship because you invest yourself so deeply.

Thank you for being patient with me, and dealing with all of my temper tantrums. I know I can be incredibly difficult, but somehow you always know how to fix it. (On this note, thanks for all the Starbucks.)

Thank you for helping me prove everyone wrong. So many people thought that our high school relationship couldn't last, but it did. We've only become stronger. Thank you for sticking it out through the tough times so that we could make it here.

Finally, and probably the most important, thank you for making me feel safe. You honestly are my rock. I know that you'll always be here to protect me. You have been the consistency that my life has needed lately, and I'll forever be grateful to you.

You truly are my best friend, and I don't know what I would do without you. Thanks again for everything. I love you so much.

Merry Christmas,

Me