Sheils Writes

“What’s this?”  “There’s nothing in this.” he says.

“Oh, really?” I say.

The box, it’s empty.  I could’ve sworn I put all the gifts inside before I tied it up with that big beautiful bow.  Oh wait, I did.  They aren’t gifts that money can buy.  That box is full of memories.

Memories of years gone by.  Of family that is scattered.  Of family that has passed away.  Of Christmas cookies and roasts that aren’t on any table.  Of beautifully decorated Christmas trees in the living room that used to have so many voices around them.  Of the front door opening with so many well wishers on Christmas morning.

That box is jam packed full.  That box is far from empty.

That’s the best gift anyone could ever give to someone special, the gift of all the warm, comforting memories of family and friends.

You know what goes next in that big, beautiful empty box – the new memories that are still to be made.  Jam pack it with new memories of new traditions, new voices, new family and friends.  While we adjust to those that have left us this time of year, we know they would not want us to be sad and missing them, they would want us to be like they were, full of cheer and laughter, warmth and joy.

I hope you all find a beautifully wrapped, beautiful full empty box this year that doesn’t cost a cent somewhere around your home.  It will forever be the best gift anyone can give.