Holiday Spirit. Not everyone has it. I've learned this from working at the local mall. Society pressures people to spend, spend, SPEND, all in light of the 'holiday spirit.' Kids get greedy, and they always have. But because of technology, 'I want a pony!' has turned into 'I want a Wii, and an iPod, and a PlayStation3 AND all the GAMES for them!'

No, not all people are like that. And yes, I even experienced some of that good old Christmas greed. But I watched people, faces pale, drained and fretful, run around in an absolute frenzy, trying to find that PERFECT gift for everyone in their family. And it's a sad thing, because in reality, we've all lost sight of that perfect gift.

Love.

I was fortunate enough to receive that gift a thousandfold this Christmas. My first Christmas in 10 years that I got to spend with my mother, instead of it being through 'just a visit.' I live here now, this is my home. I could wake up, and see the bright, infectious smiles on everyone's faces. It was the best present I could ever ask for, because Christmas is a hard time for my mother.

She has lost all her children through divorce and drug-abuse. Her first child, her son, he died on Christmas, the day before his very first birthday. Years, she has spent Christmas alone, and she has struggled through it. But this Christmas, she smiled.

Best present ever. And I will always cherish that, even if it is not something tangible that I can hold onto, or a picture that I can hang on the wall. It was my first Christmas with her, and she remembered how to smile.

I pray, to whatever Gods may hear me these days, that all of you remember what Christmas is all about. Sure, you can base that off religion and tell me it's the day Jesus was born. I really don't figure that into my equation.

Christmas is about the love that you share with your family, or your friends. Christmas is about the laughter, the comfortable feeling, the sheer joy of having people you love surround you. And if you think you don't have that, then you're wrong. Always, there will be someone, even if it is just one person, that you mean the world to. Always there will be someone who loves and cherishes you.

Please, do not forget that. No one in this world goes unloved, or unthought of. And that is what Christmas is about. Remember the good times that come before it, and learn from the bad ones as well. Every day is a new start. Everyone gets second chances.

Just try... to remember how to smile. <3