As I get older, I realize Christmas isn’t always the joyous, carefree holiday it seemed when I was younger, even into my twenties. It was always the magical exciting holiday spent with family. And, when I talked with my mother last night she mentioned the Christmas Eve I drove home, and I shouldn’t have. When I left work, it was snowing. I drove home in a blizzard, country roads that were sometimes down to one lane. And, the drive took so much longer than usual. By the time I finally arrived home, my sisters had left for church to pray for me. Even that time, for me, Christmas was always magic and family.

Christmas is still magic for me. The last couple years I’ve spent Christmas Eve with dear friends who have become family. But, I know Christmas isn’t always easy. So, it’s a good time to share the message I wrote last year.

Merry Christmas! I know this hasn’t been an easy year for so many of my friends, people I love. There’s been so much loss and grief this year. It may not be an easy Christmas for so many people.

I hope you find joy in your family and friends. I hope there is love in your life. If you’re facing loss and grief, I hope you have someone who reaches out to you. If you face fear or unhappiness, I hope there is someone to hold your hand.

I’m grateful for my wonderful family, the joy and laughter in my life. I’m grateful for my friends, people who have become family. I’m grateful that I have people to talk with.

For Christmas, for the New Year, I wish you love. I wish you joy and laughter. And, if you need someone to listen, reach out. So many of us have needed someone to listen.

My Christmas wish for all of us is for peace, and joy, and love. Merry Christmas.