Christmas Spirit

Lately, I have been ridiculously overwhelmed (as the last week before Winter Vacation usually is). Having some sort of activity or winter concert on everyday, I've hardly had any down time, and usually when I do get a break, I spend it strategically...sleeping (gearing up for the long nights). *Jenny and I are often able to come to school, look at eachother, and estimate approximately how many hours of sleep the other got (not much). Needless to say, I've noticed and observed the heightened shopping frenzy, Christmas decorations, and holiday spirit around me, but have been isolated on my own "tornado of life" island. Don't get me wrong, I love the smell of Christmas trees, hot cocoa and candycanes, but I just haven't been able to embrace it. While it does bother me that I can't sit in front of the fire and sing carols, I know that I haven't "lost Christmas" as it sometimes seems. All of these characteristics of Christmas, visible everywhere (starting in September in some places), are not "Christmas" in any sense. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth and everything He has done for us. Christmas is sharing love and joy with people you love. Christmas is spending time with family. I DO have Christmas spirit!

On a side note, I found out that my closest resident friend from the care home passed away a couple of weeks ago. While it saddens me that I won't be able to listen to Tony's stories anymore, I am glad and thankful that he can reunite with his wife and Savior during this Christmas time. When all is said and done in April, I will definitely post my commonapp essay in celebration of Tony.