Hannah Nale recounts lost Christmas

Christmas songs repeat through my head, adding to holiday joys. Yet with vacation ahead and all that the season’s celebration bring, quality family time often gets lost amongst the free time.

Last year my family set a goal to spend our two weeks off from school focused on developing closeness. We even made it a point to group hug around the Christmas tree.

We gathered for a family dinner, praying for this new holiday “tradition.” Yet despite our determined efforts, we all became distracted.

My brothers began playing the video game they just received and I begin to SnapChat my vacation adventures. Mom rushes to the kitchen to prepare the delightful Christmas dinner and Dad found his way to trimming the trees outside. The days fly by and the holiday season passes even faster.

Despite the fun we had last year, my family soon realized our fail to develop further closeness. As December approached once again, I hope this brief reflection on last year’s vacation will help prevent some Christmas distractions and refocus family time.

A new year is before us and all have been blessed with a second chance. Although we failed to take advantage of our extra hours together last Christmas, there is still time to build on the family tradition. Our life is short and time with family fades fast.

My goal this year is to revisit last year’s short investment. I decided to put my phone down and Netflix away, focusing on spending intentional time with my family.

Last year I was easily distracted by society’s ways; instead of focusing on the true meaning of Christmas, I made my friends and media more important than family time. This vacation I will gather my family once again, encouraging my brothers (and myself) to limit time on games and give up media, providing us the opportunity to build quality conversation and laughter together. I ask my parents to continue to have quality family dinners, and provide additional family time over work in the fields that could wait.

As I grow older, my Christmas list shrinks because money can’t buy what I want. Celebrating the birth of Jesus is a lasting gift in my heart.

Dear Lord, Help us to refocus this Christmas vacation. Providing us with the opportunity to love, laugh, and enjoy quality family time. Fill us with Christmas joy and celebration that will last a lifetime, Amen.

Senior Hannah Nale is the campus Associated Student Body President and writes an occasional column. For her previous post, read COLUMN: Thankfulness is a choice.

For more features read, Christmas tree decorations add to festive atmosphere.