The Gift of Connection: Beyond the Season

It feels like Boxing Day today, though it's Christmas Eve. Our weekend began with a family brunch with my siblings and parents, followed by our annual family gathering. Four of our five children, their partners, and my parents came together on Saturday. The day was filled with games, a lively white elephant exchange, and a collaborative buffet of food created by everyone.

The event was rich with connection and joy.

After my parents left, I was left with both exhaustion and profound gratitude. Now, it feels as though the season is already over. While I watch others bustling around preparing for today and tomorrow, we feel complete.

This experience shows that what matters isn't the specific day but the people we share it with.  Though we've moved away from decorating or participating in traditional Christmas customs, our love for gathering remains strong. Today's reflection has shown me that I shouldn't limit these precious gatherings to once a year – this connection deserves to be nurtured year-round.

Christmas need not be our only catalyst for coming together.  I am intentionally called to create opportunities for connection throughout the year. Since not everyone can join at the same time, ensuring these opportunities means extending more invitations, planning more gatherings, creating more fun and deepening connections more often.

Ultimately, when I leave this earth, I want to know that I made an extraordinary effort to nurture connections with those I love. Material gifts have evolved into something more meaningful – each gathering is now the actual gift, wrapped in laughter, stories, and the warmth of sharing moments with those who matter most.