The Meaning of Christmas

The true meaning of Christmas is not the giving or receiving of gifts but the time spent with loved ones.  I can remember Christmas Eve being such a special time for us during our youth, going to midnight mass before coming home to feast on a meal together.  To  our later years when we would gather to wait for the hour of midnight to celebrate in cheer and be the first to say "Merry Christmas" to each other.  It saddens me so much this year that all I could do for you was place a wreath at the place where you took your last breath. It is so disheartening to think you are no longer with us here to share in all the joy and happiness the holiday season is supposed to bring.  For all the Christmas' in the future will not hold the same energy as when you were there to celebrate it with us.  You are greatly missed John.