The house looked perfect, just in time for holiday celebrations. As I walked in the door, home from my first year of college, everything was just right. Ribboned wreaths, ornamented trees, stockings with names, brightly wrapped gifts, and pretty hand towels donning Santa’s face. You were ready to make cookies – dipped pretzels in chocolate along with peanut butter filled crackers smothered in yumminess. As I walked in my room, my bed was made, fresh sheets and fluffed pillows. You were waiting for me.

You were excited to finish shopping. You wanted to wrap presents while watching movies. You saved cookies to decorate even though you could have finished on your own. Dolly & Kenny sang bright and loud in our home. Because I have younger siblings, I know this wasn’t all for me, but it felt like it. Like Christmas wasn’t quite ready to start without me. 

Now I get it. As my college-age daughter walks in the door, hands full of laundry and gifts, I can breathe again. I’ve waited for cookies, for movies with wrapped gifts. I fluffed the pillows and tucked in soft blankets. I arranged the gifts so that excitement and wonder would fill our home. A few last-minute presents and treats to frost. I’ve waited to be sure she feels like part of it all. Because it’s not quite Christmas until she’s home.

Thanks mom. Thank you for all of the wonderful, thoughtful, sentimental touches that made holidays fill our home. We did not always have a lot of money or the latest gifts, but I never felt that. All I felt was unconditional love, Christmas wonder, welcoming arms, and pure joy of our family and your love. 

You’ve taught me what holidays are supposed to be – memories and magic-making. Family and love and connection. 

Thank you – see you Christmas night. I’ll be waiting for you this time. It won’t quite be Christmas until you arrive.