Merry Christmas

     This time of year for me is a time of reflection.  It is a time where I take a step back and look at all of the good, and of course the not so good, that came to be this year.  It's Christmas.  It makes me happy either way because I have my family by my side who I love and adore.  I have my little boy who is discovering the wonders of this time of year, and at his age of 16 months everything is being discovered by biting or by ripping it apart.  I have a handful of Christmas tree ornaments that I am going to have to superglue back together, but that's ok.  It's special for me.  Not just because it is Christmas but because I thought I would never know the joys of a baby at this time of year.
     For three years my husband and I went through numerous infertility treatments.  There were a lot of times where we almost gave up on those treatments and doctor visits, not just because of the money, but because of the toll it was taking on me physically and mentally.  Coming to terms that between all of the poking, prodding, and intrusive procedures being done to investigate the root cause as to why we were not conceiving was the deep fear that we may not be able to have a child of our own.  It was a sad time for us.  We truly wanted a child, and we might not have that opportunity. 
     That fear changed me; it changed us as a couple for the better. That possibility has made us better parents, it has made us more patient people in general.  Even when our son is in the middle of a huge crying fit and we're exhausted, there is that knowledge that we could have not had him.  It's this powerful love that we have for our baby that makes everyday, especially Christmas, so magical. 
     Christmas is a time that reminds me how everyday I need to count the blessings I was given.  It is a time that shows me that between all of the ugly going on, that there is a strong sense of goodwill within every person I come across.  People are a little nicer, more patient, more kind.  Christmas time is a time to get back to the heart of what this season represents.  When I tell someone "Merry Christmas," it isn't just in reference to celebrating the Christian messiah, it is so much more. 
     Telling someone "Merry Christmas" is a way for me to tell someone that I hope they are surrounded by love and kindness.  That I hope they have a great end to the year, and better tomorrow, despite anything negative that may have happened for them.  "Merry Christmas" is a way to wish someone well with lots of joy sprinkled in. "Merry Christmas" is hope, it's love for my fellow man.
     It's one phrase that I know when my son is old enough to say it, that he will understand the depth that it means.  Christmas time isn't something that is just for Christians.  Christmas time is for the world.  This is a time to remember that we are all centered around our family, and even if it is one day, that there is more love than hate in the world.
     So for all of you, whether you celebrate this holiday or not, Merry Christmas!