The last few days for me have been spent with my family and enjoying the time I have with them.

Being the Christmas season, I’m always intrigued by the array of responses to the time.

For most of us, it’s a time to connect with friends and family.

For others, it’s a time of painful memories.

For a few of my roommates over the years, it’s a time to grit your teeth and wait until it’s over.

Whatever we’re doing, it never feels relaxing.

However, each year I’m reminded of the many years of festivities. Beneath the veneer of rushing, drama and headaches, there’s a lot of love that’s fuelling the days.

As I watch my oldest now get excited to see family, eat sugar-filled treats and open gifts, I know he’s building his own memory storehouse of love.

It also has the side effect of adding to my own history. Just as I look back on my years growing up, I will now get to look back on the years of my own family growing.

It’s a reminder the places we love the most are worth the effort to make it happen.