ellipsis…

driving, i find, is probably one of the best time for me to think. for the most part driving just takes us from point A to point B, and B is usually where our mind is at. but there are those times when driving allows my head to wonder and think. tonight was one of those times.

it’s getting really close to christmas and instead of things slowing down, most everything tends to speed up. working retail doesn’t really help either. christmas is really the only day i get off. i’m not bitter…. i’m not really. it has made me concider why we do all of this; gifts, trees, santa clause etc. for christians or catholics or anyone who believes in christ, it makes perfect sense. at least the bethlehem, baby jesus, three wise men part. oh and the shepards, you can’t forget the shepards. but for everyone else, well not else… for everyone, christmas has become just a commercial affair. i’m not saying that i don’t get wrapped up in it too, heck it pays my bills. but it definitely makes me ponder.

this year, i have more friends coming home for christmas from being away (school, work or otherwise) then every before. the friends who disappeared due to jobs, school, and of course marriage (all of those being awesome things to pursue… even the last one) are showing their faces a little more. the close relationships that i have have become quite a bit tighter. over the last couple of weeks i’ve re-connected with a old from friend highschool, which is just awesome. and from that made a great new friend. and as i drove around that’s what really makes this christmas different. the people around me. and i know this is such a cliche christmas post, but i can’t help but be reminded by it. being around, being with, the individuals you love. caring for them, surprising them with something, anything, that lets them know you really value them. and then seeing that smile, the brightest eyes, the biggest hug, that’s probably going to be the best gift you’ll ever receive. (man, advertisers really have that feeling down…. it just too bad most people will never get that with the products they sell.)

Merry Christmas to you! may you be surrounded by the people you hold closest to your heart. be sure you take the time to make a few new memories with them. kiss under the mistletoe. understand why christmas exists because of jesus, not coke-a-cola. excitement for christmas morning should never deminish, it holds the little part of youthfullness that we should never loose. take the time to be with friends, even if it means standing in the middle of the biggest mall in the world. savour crisp air and the smell of pine (or the warm weather and the smell of the ocean….) really… have a wonderful christmas where ever you may be. it really is the best time of the year.