Christmas is not just a date or an event. It is a feeling. I have a joyous and warm feeling when I even just hear the word. Others probably have painful memories, so it jars them. Others may be torn between various memories. Others still may have no emotion toward it.

Even after the deaths of my father, niece, and other loved ones, it still held warmth, hope, and goodness. I may not have celebrated with as much gusto, or perhaps too much gusto hoping for the full feelings to come back and outweigh the grief.

It is not the memory of gifts or parties. It is the memory of family gathering around the dinner table and tree, the jokes and laughter, the singing of Silent Night at the end of the Christmas Eve service to candlelight, the movies and music, the twinkle lights and decorations, the time away from work and school without using vacation or sick time.

May Christmas yet to come bring you good things, such as peace, hope, joy, or comfort. At the least, a momentary distraction from grief, pain, or heartache. Come, there is room at the table for everyone.