So its that time of the year again, the holiday season. The time to take a break from everyday life and begin to spend quality time with family and friends. As a college student, I personally look forward for any opportunity to throw my books in my bottom desk drawer and hop on a train back to Massachusetts. Over the years I have realized how much I took my family for granted as they were apart of my everyday life. Living 2.5 hours away, you start to miss out on things you didn’t even know you were missing out on.

Having an older sister who just had her first baby, I started missing milestone moments, like rolling on her back, or eating her first “human” food, or her attempt at crawling. Face-timing can only go so far, and you begin to miss the presence of loved ones.

I also have a mother who loves doing everything for me, even while I am still in college. Every trip up, every holiday, every random surprise visit home she has been able to be my right hand helping with loads and loads and loads of laundry, buying food, etc. Going away to college, I only experience that very seldom so I began to miss that as well.

Last but not least, I can’t forget my not-so-little-sister who is experiencing her first year at college, as she has her own life memories that I can’t attend during the school year living so far. With all these important people in my life, sitting around a big table enjoying company and food, I start to value every single one of them in my life.

Think back to when the last time you actually told someone you cherished their company. Think back to when you allowed yourself to live in the moment and enjoy what was going around you. I bet its been a while and that’s why we are blessed with opportunities like holidays to begin to spend quality time with those we love!