‘Twas the night before Christmas

When we think about Christmas presents we automatically think of material things and lots of it. Think stocking stuffers (don’t have that here in the Solomons but I saw it on tv), toys, clothes, accessories, toiletries, jewelry and the list goes on. But from my experience the best gifts were those that included quality time and created memories and built connection.

As I mentioned yesterday, we spent most Christmases in Australia with my grandparents. The only Christmases I remember spending here in the Solomons were 2019 to present. Dad and I would go to Christmas Mass and then he’d go to work. Any Chinese will get it when they read this, we never closed for a whole day — not even on Christmas or New Year. That was one of his ways of showing love (more about that in a future post). But even with working everyday dad would always have lunch with me. And at night my grandparents and I would always wait for him to get home before having dinner. When he was at the station I would go into his office and perch myself on the edge of his desk telling him everything and anything going on in my life and he would listen to me. When he came home from work we would have dinner, talk and have Chinese tea whilst watching a bit of tv and talking some more (usually me doing the talking). After he and my NenNen passed away, borders reopened and our family could return to spend Christmas together Christmases have passed in a blur. That is, until recently. The best Christmas present I ever got was the gift of time.

With Christmas Day right upon us don’t forget to be present and in the moment with those that you’re celebrating this season with. Don’t get so caught up in the frills that you forget the substance and heart of this season. And if for some reason you’re far away from your loved ones and can’t physically be with them, take the time to call them and let them know you’re thinking of them.