This time of year means so many different things to so many people. Maybe it's a time for sharing cheer with your friends or giving something back to those in need.

For me, Christmas has always been about family.

No matter where I have lived over the years, I always make my way home for Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas day with my loved ones.

There have been additions over the years that have added greatly to our lives and there have been gaping holes left by those who have passed on.

Those spaces have been filled with the wonderful memories my grandfather left behind and Christmas is certainly one of the times I feel his presence most strongly.

It's a time to reminisce and find joy in conversation, food and tradition. To sit around the table for hours, eating together dishes that are older than a few of us combined- recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation with love and family in mind.

It's a time to remember and look to the future at the same time. To share happy tears and a feeling of hope. All the while basking in a feeling of contentment in the present moment.  There are not too many times during the year we can share all of those experiences at once.

It's a time to look at those around you with appreciation and cherish the time that you have, share gifts and share ourselves.

At it's most basic, you know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you look at that lighted tree or that fireplace with stockings hung above it- yeah that's what Christmas with family feels like.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

What does Christmas mean for you?

Happy Holidays to all!!