This year for Christmas I will be home with family. If you have been following my blog, you know that last year I was in Korea for Christmas. Technically, last year was the first Christmas without my dad, but it was also my first Christmas apart from my family, so it was an altogether different experience. So this year will be the first family Christmas without dad.

‘Twas the night before Thanksgiving, and all through the house…Just kidding. But the night before Thanksgiving, I convinced my mom to set up the Christmas decorations with me. While we were decorating, my mom commented that Christmas was dad’s favorite holiday. Even though he never liked setting up or putting away the decorations, of which I remember clearly, he enjoyed having them up and spending time with family. Because last year was my mom’s first Christmas in the same place without him, and without me in addition, she made the decision to travel to Chicago during the holidays instead of staying home. This year, I am glad I was home to be able to do these things with her.

That doesn’t mean to say that it isn’t hard. Every holiday is going to be hard because we will remember the times we were all together as a family. I will always remember dad’s obsession with feeling the texture of something. For Christmas, whenever he got a present of clothing, he would open it, say, “Oh, cool!” and then pet the material to feel if it were soft.

It’s the little things that make me smile but also bring a little extra sadness to the holidays. But the most important thing is that I get to spend time with my family this year, and it means a little more because I know what it’s like to be alone during the holidays, and what it’s like to lose someone, so I won’t take it for granted.

That being said, I hope you all enjoy the holidays with friends or family. Be safe and be happy and as always, thanks for reading. 안전하고 행복하계세요. 읽어줘서 고마워요.