Christmastime is here

"So this is Christmas, and what have you done?"

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone! Last year, I never would've expected I'd be where I am today. I spent the final days leading up to Christmas in Charlotte working, feeling more like I'm in Home Alone than in Elf. I've worked the past few days and I work today and tomorrow -- but then I'm off to Virginia for a little late Christmas.

I wasn't quite prepared for how jarring it would be to have a completely different Christmas after 21 consecutive years of traditions centered around family, baking, holiday movies and enjoying peace with loved ones. While I had to find other ways to feel the holiday cheer this year on the actual holidays, I can't wait for my late Christmas with family.

Thursday morning, I plan to wake up as early as I can manage after a night shift and load my car up with wrapped presents, coffee in hand, and drive in my fleece pajamas right to my parents' home. My siblings and their families will already be there, so it'll feel like Christmas for real when I get there. It won't be quite the same as waking up on Christmas morning at home, with cinnamon rolls and a pot of coffee waiting. But i'll still be there, PJ-clad with that cup of coffee — just two days later.

I've never worked on Christmas prior to now, but while I'll miss the familiarity of being home, I'm beyond thankful to be where I am. I talked with a coworker last night who's been in the field a bit longer. I found that it's a pretty universal feeling — I'm so unbelievably happy and fortunate to be doing what I love so soon after Christmas. I also wish I was at home with slippers and a stocking. Both feelings can exist at the same time.

Looking back, 2018 has been fairly good to me. I've spent the year with the best partner I could ask for (Hi there, Ben) I graduated from a university that I adored attending, enjoyed a summer in Harrisonburg with friends, then started a job in my dream field in the fall. I got to see family that I've missed at reunions, and my family even grew a bit as both my siblings got to welcome new little ones to their families. I got the opportunity to live with my sister's family for a few months while I got settled in the Queen City, and while I'm preparing to move out next week, I'm thankful for the chance to get closer to my family (and their cat).

I can only hope that 2019 brings as much joy. 2018 was full of challenges, sure, but I think when I look back on my life, I'll think of it fondly. As Christmas comes and goes, we're left to look toward the new year. I hope this next year is full of growth, love and joy for me and for all of you.

So today might not feel like Christmas usually does, just like Christmas Eve felt anything but ordinary, but that doesn't have to be a sad thing. This year marks a change in my life — a new foot forward into the world of adulthood, a turned page as I begin to write my own traditions. That being said, I can't wait to get home, "for there's no place like home for the holidays."

Hold your loved ones close as we close out the year, and enjoy the holidays in whichever way means the most to you. Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good... afternoon.