Tomorrow and Friday are the days when families across Beaufort County will come together for Christmas gatherings.

 

As Christmas Eve and Christmas Day approach, last-minute shopping will be done, gifts will be hastily wrapped and shoved under trees, food will be prepared, plans will be finalized and then finally, presents will be exchanged, holiday cheer, or a lack thereof, shown and memories — whether bad or good — will be made.

 

This Christmas, take some time to soak it all in — the true meaning of Christmas. Family and time spent together, hopefully that of laughs and joy, should be top priority. Gift exchanges can be exciting, and in some cases, funny and meaningful, but the most meaningful thing about those gatherings is family and spending precious moments with loved ones.

 

So stop in all the season’s hustle and bustle to appreciate the small things. Sharing toys or other items one received for Christmas is a good way to bond, as is sharing food — something that most everyone will certainly do.

 

Take the time to stop by a neighbor’s or friend’s home, one who may be known to have limited family in the area, if at all, wish them a merry Christmas and let them know they are cared for and thought about. Sometimes a small gesture of kindness and love can go a long way or touch someone in ways one cannot imagine. Christmas is, in part, about the joy of giving, but more importantly, it is about spending one’s time with his or her family and spreading joy and togetherness in a world that, today, is more disconnected than ever.

 

This Christmas, put the smartphones down and turn them off, and play a board game, take a walk or just indulge in meaningful conversation with family and friends.

 

Next Christmas, one of those family members may not be present and those opportunities will be lost forever.

 

Recently, a Washington resident with terminal cancer and little time left to live wished to visit the Washington waterfront to view the lights on the boats that had been decorated for Christmas. His wish was granted, thanks to a few local residents and family members. Not only was that person able to see the display of Christmas lights downtown and on the waterfront, but carols were also sung while it was happening. That person passed away shortly after. It is amazing how the simplest things in life can be taken for granted.

 

Make a merry Christmas.