Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Literally, I LOVE CHRISTMAS! The music, the lights, the activities, that feeling of glee, happiness, and love. It's been tough the past 2 to 3 years of holidays. You see, I had to cut off certain people for my sake. While that decision was the right decision, it's still hard. It still can get lonely, or at least feel that way. Usually when it's come to the holidays the past couple of years, I've ended up working the holidays. I told people I did it so that way people with families can spend it with them, and that's true without a doubt. The other big reason I would work is so I'd forget that I was alone, that I didn't have any traditions or anything to do. Now let me preface by saying how wonderful my aunt and uncle are in the sense that they 100% do include me in their plans and invite me over! However, it's still different, when you went from things being one way to it changing completely, when there are certain things you're wanting that God's timing hasn't lined up yet. This year was the first year I grieved, and it hit hard that things had changed, that I felt alone and hurt. That's the beauty of God though, He not only reminds you that you aren't alone, but He places people in your life that becomes your family, and shows you that things can be fun, beautiful, and full of love! You get to start new traditions, get to create new memories, and enjoy life in a much different way! God reminds you that we have the gift of Jesus, and what He's done for us and how He loves us. I'm so thankful that God redeems, restores, heals, and that He's put the people He has in my life! For Christmas this year, I'm typing this as I'm in New York, celebrating Christmas with my best friend and her family, who's decided to adopt me as their own and take me in! I get to achieve dreams of not only being in New York during Christmas time, but going to see the Rockettes! It's funny how the beginning of this week I was talking about how a dream of mine was to go see them one day, and Mama Michelle surprised me with tickets to go see them earlier today! On Christmas Day, I'll get to have brunch with my aunt, uncle, Grandma, niece, and nephew! All this to say, if you're alone this holiday season, I feel your pain and hurt. Let this be a sign to create your family, to create your own traditions, to go create memories, to feel the feelings you need to. I'm thankful this Christmas looks different, for the people in my life, and for the gift of Jesus. I wish you all a Merry Christmas, and a Happy Holidays!

“I will thank you, Lord, with all my heart; I will talk about all your wonderful acts.” Psalms 9:1