What I want For Christmas

A year has almost passed. We are down to the final days of what some may consider to be a pretty dramatic year. We've seen natural disasters, political scandals, the fall of legends and the rise of the future. I've watched people stand in line for video game systems, movies, sales, and basketball tickets. We seem to keep our ears glued to the radio, our eyes glued to the television, and our fingers glued to the keyboard, waiting for the next breaking news. What exciting event is going to happen today.

Meanwhile... while we are playing the video games, reading the news, wondering if Brittney Spears is really having a child, trying to find out if Jennifer Anniston is really leaving a headline marriage, wondering if George Bush is at his ranch or in DC, watching the football game, basketball game, hockey game, or baseball game....while all of these things are happening, our lives are still going. Only changed slightly if you make bets on everything that you can bet on.

I think the one thing that I have learned this year is that we sometimes get so caught up in what is going to happen to the Desperate Housewives or to Seth on the OC, that we don't take the time to find out what has happened in the lives of those who we really care about. I guess it hits me pretty hard because I spend so much time on the road, away from my friends, family, and other people who are important to me.

How often do you make any of those things priorities over those you care about? Of course, we all have.

For Christmas, I want to make sure that the people I have encountered this year understand how much I appreciate them. Of course, all of my interactions have not been positive on the surface. Nonetheless, each interaction that I have had has helped to shape what I would consider to be a pretty wonderful year. I have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and even understand things that I have not understood in the past. I have grown more tolerant, understanding, patient, and responsible. With each day comes new expriences and opportunities.

Make sure you let someone know how important they are to you and how much you appreciate everything they have done. I am sure they will be happy to hear it.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone!