A Thankful Christmas

This Christmas season was unlike any I’ve experienced before. Normally, I’ve been fortunate to enjoy joyful Christmases, filled with warmth and love. But this year was different; I felt annoyed and bothered from various conflicts that happened throughout the year.

Growing up, I was part of a tight-knit family of four: my mom, dad, sister (who’s a year older than me), and me. Even when finances were tight, we managed to create a magical Christmas every year.

This time around, my plan was to visit my parents’ house for Christmas, bringing along my wife and our two-year-old daughter. However, an argument between my wife and my mom in early November changed our plans. Hurtful words were exchanged, and we decided to not spend Christmas at my parents’ home.

Having served in the Army for the past six years, this Christmas would have been only the second time I’d have the chance to visit my parents. The first attempt in 2020 was cut short when my parents contracted COVID, forcing us to leave just a day after arriving.

Despite the change in plans, the true joy of this Christmas came from watching my daughter unwrap her gifts. At her tender age, she might not fully grasp the concept of presents, but she really enjoyed her new toys all day.

Yet, I couldn’t help but feel a twinge of longing as my family in Knoxville shared photos of their festive celebrations. I missed all the laughter and fun I could be having with them.

But my feelings changed when I thought about a post I read on Facebook a few days ago. A former coworker shared the heartbreaking news that their son had passed away. He was in his early twenties. It was a stark reminder that, even if my Christmas didn’t go as I had hoped, I was still far more blessed than many others.

Not being with my extended family this Christmas may not have been ideal, but it pales in comparison to not being able to see them at all.

I can’t fathom having Christmas serve as a painful reminder of a loved one’s passing. So, I have a choice: I can dwell on my own frustrations when things don’t go as planned, or I can choose gratitude. Despite the twists and turns, this Christmas has taught me that there’s still so much to be thankful for.