We don’t always know which ordinary day will become extraordinarily important in hindsight.
No one knows when their lasts will happen, either their last day or the last day with a loved one. In the episode of Doctor Who called “Last Christmas,” dream Danny reminds Clara that every Christmas is the last one. We ought to make every moment count. The most extraordinary memories are often in the most ordinary moments. Preparing the food, sitting at the table, cleaning up, and exchanging gifts may seem like the least important parts of the festivities, but those are often the moments when we hear the most laughter, share the best stories, and give the most hugs.
I would say my grandmother loved Christmas, except the joy she had during the holidays was bigger than that. Grandmama loved her family and getting as many people together as possible. She enjoyed hunting for the perfect gifts and the best bargains. She diligently wrapped each gift with love and an immaculate bow. She had a weakness for Christmas candy (all candy really, but Christmas was her favorite).
This will be the third Christmas without her and the second without my grandfather. Those who have a great presence in life leave a great void when they are gone. We don’t know which Christmas, gathering, or ordinary day together will become a treasured memory. Cherish those you love. Make new memories. Take AND be in all the photos, no matter how self-conscious you might be. One day, only pictures and memories will be left. Make them count.
