I suppose there could’ve been a thousand other titles for this post (To Be Grateful, The Joy of the Season, or any other cliche), but I’ll just call it for what it is.

This was a very fortunate season for my family as we were all able to gather together and celebrate the holiday – something we haven’t been able to do for years. While it was busy, and exhausting, it was a joy be under one roof as we’re not sure the next time it can happen that way.

In the lead-up to the holidays, I asked my students to share their Christmas tradition or a vivid memory they’ve had. Each class of students were eager to share the many, and varied, traditions they had alongside some memories that were… interesting (I don’t judge, but I still do get surprised).

The one lesson I share with them is the traditions they have will change as they get older. The memories they are holding onto are something special and they should all take time, even for just a few seconds, to appreciate the moment.

I’m not holding my breath, but I hope some of them do.

No one can be certain what the next ten years is going to bring for our households, but things will change. It’s not necessarily a good or bad thing, just something that will happen.

As we finish our season and look towards the new year, take some time to appreciate the memory of this year. Next year, it may look a little different.