I remember the first year that the most important thing at Christmastime became my friends rather than my gifts. I was a freshman in high school and I was making some really amazing friends. The best friends I'd ever had. And because I went to a boarding school many of my friends would be leaving for Christmas.
For the first time I felt myself wishing people were here for Christmas rather than wishing for some material object. First and foremost I wished for their happiness but I also wished that I could spend Christmas with all of my friends. That felt like the ultimate dream, to have every person I loved in one place. Until that year that list was pretty much strictly family. But since then that list has expanded to include so many friends that are now like family.
The wish manifests itself every year. As thrilled as I am to be with family, I'm always wishing that I could celebrate with my friends as well. My friends are like family; there is very little distinction between who is biological family and who has manifested as family.
This year is no exception as I am even further away from many friends this year. There are many who are close but still far away and I must exercise patience in waiting to see them. And I left behind some really special people and although I miss them, it's good to know that they have each other and some great memories to look forward to while I am thrilled to bits to finally be seeing some family in a couple of days.
Friends in New Haven, Concord, Sonoma, Monterey, and everywhere else, in my mind we are having the ultimate Christmas celebration together. Some of you I will be reuniting with VERY soon, others will have to wait until I am back in New Haven (oh I will be back. With presents). A million thanks for being there through this crazy and transitional period in my life. You are the ultimate Christmas gift.
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