Whenever I used to hear this song during the Christmas season, I jus thought “well of course you’ll be home for Christmas, where else would you be?” But since leaving for school and not coming home for months on end, I realize how much I really do want to be home for Christmas. I don’t need the snow or mistletoe, and quite honestly the presents don’t mean as much to me as they used to. What I want most this Christmas is to see my family and get to celebrate with them.

There is really only so much you can do while at college to make it really feel like the Christmas season. My dorm room is decorated with lights, stockings, and even a mini tree. I play Christmas music constantly and I’ve even made my Christmas list (you’re never too old for Santa). But somehow, the Christmas spirit hasn’t quite found its way into my home away from home. I find myself surprised at how quickly December 25^th is approaching, and how little I feel in the mood for the holidays.

I’m missing the insane amount of Christmas lights in my home. I’m missing the numerous advent calendars and variety of nativity scenes set up on every flat surface around the house. I’m missing decorating my family tree and drawing names for our family Secret Santa.

I’m missing my family.

I never noticed until now that Christmas is truly so much more than presents and celebrating. Christmas is about Christ, and emulating Him in my life. Christmas is my family, and sharing all our holiday traditions with them. It’s not just decorating the house, but all the little moments that pass why decorating that set each year apart from the last. It is about being WITH my family, instead of just in the same room with them.

Most of all, this winter has shown me how lucky I really am to get to go home. Many people do not get to spend the holidays with their family for one reason or another. Some will have to work, some will be serving in the armed forces far from home. I’m lucky to have a family to come home to. Lots of people don’t have a family to go home to, whether from broken relationships, long distances, or the loss of family members. This year, my family will celebrate our first Christmas without everyone under the same roof. My sister will spend her Christmas a thousand miles away, with other missionaries of our church, and even though I get to Skype her, I can’t help but know that something will be missing. I couldn’t imagine what it must be like to spend the holidays entirely alone.

This Christmas, may we all be a little kinder, more loving, more selfless, and more accepting. May we say thank you to those who offer us a “Happy Holidays,” a “Merry Christmas,” or a “Happy Hanukkah” regardless of our personal celebrations. May we think of those who cannot be with their family members and invite them to celebrate with our own. May we pray for those who are away in the service of this country or in the service of others- for their safety, for their success, and for their eventual return home. May we think a little less of the presents, and more of our personal presence this holiday season.