The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is officially upon us.  Shopping, parties, baking, stressing….. it is a busy time of year. 

Sometimes our lives get so busy that we forget to stop and take a moment to enjoy the simple things in our lives.  Our families, our homes, the food that we have on the table.  Above everything else, we all need to remember to be thankful for all of our blessings. 

Last year,  my father-in-law was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in July.  He was given one year – maybe more, maybe less.   We spent a lot of time with my mother and father-in-law in the months that followed.   Having family dinners, going to church, and just visiting.   We tried to enjoy every moment that we had with him.  

When it came time to start shopping for Christmas, I remember my father-in-law telling us not to waste our money on a gift for him.  He wouldn’t get to enjoy it long anyway.   We  had already given him so much by just spending time with him, that was all he needed.  That broke my heart.   I told my husband that I couldn’t do that -  I couldn’t NOT buy him a gift and my husband agreed.  It meant we would have to face the fact that he wouldn’t be around, and we still didn’t want to think about it happening.  So, he ended up giving us a few ideas and we did get him a few things. 

Sadly, my father-in-law passed away on Christmas Eve.  He was right – he didn’t get to enjoy what we had bought for him.  But, he DID get to enjoy the time that we all spent together as a family.   And, I do believe that was one of the last great gifts that we gave to each other – time together. 

Make lasting memories with your children and your families.  You will always remember the time you spent together and that is truly the best present of all.