As the year winds down and festive lights fill the air with warmth, it’s easy to be swept up in the hustle of gift-giving. Boxes wrapped in glittering paper and tied with ribbons often seem like the centerpiece of Christmas. But the true magic of the season doesn’t come from what lies under the tree—it comes from the people who gather around it.
The gifts we exchange may bring momentary joy, but it’s the laughter, love, and shared moments that leave a lasting impact. It’s in the conversations that flow over warm cups of cocoa, the hands joined in prayer, and the spontaneous bursts of joy during a family game. These are the treasures that no price tag can define.
As we celebrate, let’s pause to appreciate the presence of loved ones. Whether it’s family, friends, or even newfound connections, they are the reason the season feels whole. The beauty of Christmas lies not in material things but in the bonds that unite us, the traditions that root us, and the memories that weave us closer.
So this year, let’s cherish not what’s under the tree, but who’s around it. For in the end, it’s the people in our lives who make the season bright.
Kenrick Vaz 