This year will be my third Christmas away from home, and away from Gavin. Back home, family and friends will undoubtedly be stuffing themselves full of food and intoxicating themselves silly with wine at around midnight of today. About an hour after midnight, my family will start to hand out presents and then proceed right after to rip through the wrapping paper to unearth what's inside. It's tradition in our family to be loud, messy and unconditionally happy during this season.

I've always loved Christmas. To this day, I still consider it my favorite holiday, even more than my birthday. Birthdays are normally selfish and usually only last a day, whereas Christmas (well back home anyway) usually start a few weeks before December, and is shared by all. I love it with a passion. I always have, and I always will.

This year, my Christmas will be quiet, and just like last year, it will be spent with my mind and soul wishing I was with Gavin. Although I knew what I was getting into, and although I knew what I was in for when I had made the choice to spend this time of year working abroad, it suddenly dawned on me that, after the dust has settled, and after all the day's work is done, I realized that yeah, sigh.. I'm not home.

It gets to me when people complain about family get-togethers and how much of a pain it will be somehow. There are other people out there (not just me), who are away from friends and family, and who wish with all their hearts that they were around loved ones. 

There's really just so much to be thankful for. So eventhough I will be alone and working on Christmas day, I am still thankful for what I have.

Merry Christmas everyone..

Love,

Heidi