The Present of Presence

Photo credit: Alisa Anton – Unsplash

Presents.

‘Tis the season for presents to be on our minds – a lot.

When we aren’t planning them, buying them, opening them, or watching our loved ones open them, we are tracking their delivery, praying they arrive on time, and grabbing them as soon as they land on our doorstep so that they don’t fall into the hands of Grinch-like package stealers – even if it means running to meet the delivery at the door right as tornado sirens go off… in December.

This year being our first Christmas with a little one scooting around, I figured the brain space occupied by preparing for Christmas and finding the “perfect” presents for him would only increase – but I was wrong.

Of course, there were gifts that zoom, boom, and vroom under the tree for him, sure to make him giggle and laugh (and confuse the heck out of The Fitz) – but, this year more than any before, I realized that while presents are nice, what is most important is presence.

… Time with loved ones.

… Just being.

… Baby snuggles as his head rests on your chest, meditating on the soft sounds and movements of his breath, loving how he finds comfort in the sound of your steady heartbeat.

… Sniffing the sweet baby scents, getting so close that his fuzzy hair tickles your nose – then stifling a tickle-induced sneeze so that you don’t disturb his nap.

… Wanting to stay right there for just 5 more minutes (or hours, or lifetimes) holding him in your arms, soaking up the sights, sounds, scents, and feelings so you can hold onto them forever.

… Sitting by the tree, Christmas lights on all around, music filling the room, and baby’s furry best friend snuggled up next to him, sweet as can be.

… Turning off the beloved Hallmark Christmas movies (gasp!) because – as delightful and heartwarming as they are – all that you need is right there in the room with you: family, love, and reminders of the reason for the season.

In those moments that you would stop time to freeze forever if you could, you know that you have been blessed with the ultimate presents, and they aren’t things wrapped under the tree.

They are the presents that are always right there, this close, carried along with you always, just waiting for you to just be.

Still.

Present.

Mindful of the love, luck, and beautiful life with which you’ve been blessed. 

Wishing y’all a Happy Holiday, a Merry Everything, and plenty of love and presents presence – today and always.