"The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"
- Elf

The Holiday season is finally here!

Students throw their books out the window. Teachers praise God for the next weeks of sanity. Parents stress with the upcoming chaos of the holidays. The world has made a newfound meaning of Christmas. Christmas has turned into a season of frantic shopping sprees and Netflix binge-watching, instead of being a time of celebration with family and friends for Jesus.
(Woah, now, I am not saying Netflix and shopping are bad!)

But, let's take a moment.

As I have been trying to balance academics, sports, and a social life, I can tell you that I have forgotten what 'it' is all about. In the hustle and bustle of figuring out where I am going to college, squeezing in the 'lasts' of high school, and honestly, just trying to overcome senioritis- I have even forgotten why I even live this life. I have forgotten what Christmas really means.

To the Class of 2017, to the kids who think they are too cool, to all those who have forgotten what Christmas is all about...

Christmas is the gift that God gave us when He sent His only Son, Jesus, to be born in a manger and one day save us all for Eternity. Christmas is a time where we throw a birthday party for Jesus! We reflect the love God showed us when He gave the gift of eternity, and we do that by giving graciously to those who we may love.

I will never forget those mornings, waking up to see a beautiful Christmas tree with presents underneath. But, what really is engraved in everyone's memories are the times spent in Christmas spirits with family and friends.

The Santa Clause notes left every year, writing that he let his reindeer eat all of the cookies.That time when you run around the house in your new Christmas pajamas, bouncing with excitement. The times you annoyed the drivers behind you because your family wanted to see every Christmas light decorating each house. Welcoming countless family pets as a sibling-super-dogs. The early mornings filled with anxious kids waking up their parents to see what Santa brought to town.

I remember the basketball goal my dad and brother worked so hard to put up so we could play all Christmas day. The time I wrapped up every item in my house so I could give my family presents, just to see their faces 'light up' (with joy or fear, I'm not so sure). I'll never forget the annual Elf movie gathering accompanied with hot chocolate... or now, coffee. I guess we are oldies now, huh? Or even the times my miniature wiener dog decided to eat up every Christmas present's wrapping!

That is what makes Christmas great. The memories that have been made from the laughs, gifts, trips, and love.

It is my last full year at home for Christmas Break. Class of 2017, it is your last winter break to savor every day with your local family and friends. This is it. The little Christmas memories that have remained in your heart will coalesce to become one big stamp on your life. Don't let this Christmas slip by. Love your family, give graciously, and speak joyfully- it is your last Christmas at home. Give the gift that will never stop giving and live a life worth living... because Christmas is not just a day. It is not just a Holiday break. It is a celebration that you will remember for a lifetime.

Let's celebrate!

Merry Christmas xx