Merry Christmas!

 I have become immune to hearing these words. For 17 years of my life this phrase has been repeated from Dec. 1 until Dec. 25, and then the phrase is put away for another 11 months. The Christmas season has become almost a routine for me. 

Most Christmas mornings my eyes pop open at 7 a.m. 

 I scurry downstairs and jump onto my daddy’s lap, while he finishes his morning coffee and newspaper. 

When my mother stumbles out of bed, I pester her until she agrees to make breakfast with me. 

Soon after, my visiting relatives from out of town wake up to the smell of pancakes and eggs and make their way to the kitchen table.

Once we’re all fed, we cram into one car and head to church.

Then, after church, we make our way home, pile into the kitchen and help my mother make dinner. 

After we all finish cooking, my sister and I drag everyone around the tree to open presents.

After we’ve torn through every present under the tree, the smell of food is wafting through the air and our tummies begin to growl. 

As we sit around the table and eat, we exchange stories and laughter.

And then, once we can’t eat anymore, we light a fire and watch It’s a Wonderful Life.

However, this Christmas will be different.

As I sit on my dad’s lap in the morning, I will let him hug me that extra second, instead of wiggling out of his arms.

As I help my mother make breakfast, I won’t complain when she asks for my help cleaning up the dishes.

As we gather around the tree, I will take the time to notice every smile on my family’s faces after they open a gift.

As we fill our bellies, I will be attentive to the stories being told, cherishing the time spent with my family. 

This Christmas will hold a deeper meaning in many of our hearts across the nation. 

The tragedy that occurred in Connecticut last Friday will be in our hearts this Christmas. 

I don’t think a heart out there didn’t ache for the community when they heard what had happened. 

The grief I feel for the community cannot be anywhere close to what they are going through.

 Young lives, innocence, the feeling of love, family, friends were taken 11 days before Christmas. 

On, Dec. 14, kids went to school, expecting to be in the arms of their parents on Christmas day.

On Dec. 14, parents found a few moments to slip away to buy that special gift for their kids from Santa, with the hope of seeing joy wash over their faces on Christmas day.

On Dec. 14, the news tore through the hearts of many, leaving agonizing pain throughout the community. 

Parents, grandparents, siblings, relatives, friends. Many will be forced to stare at that gift under the tree, nicely wrapped, never to be opened. 

Many will not get to feel the joy of giving or receiving.

Christmas will never be the same for these families.

Let Christmas never be the same for us either.

Be present, physically and mentally on Christmas, and do not take the little things for granted. 

Be aware; take in every smile of joy you see.

Be thankful; let your parents hug you for that extra second, don’t wiggle out of their arms.

Let us dedicate this Christmas to the families and community of Newton, Conn.

 Remember the teacher who threw her body over her children to save their lives, or the one who locked her kids in the bathroom, reassuring them that there will be Christmas and there will be Hanukkah waiting for them when they get out. 

Remember the principal who tried desperately to protect her school.

Remember the parents who walked into the fire station that day, only to find that their child was not there. 

Keep them in your thoughts, open a gift for them, hug your family, siblings, relatives extra tightly for them. 

And do not forget to have a very Merry Christmas.