Looking Forward to the Presence

I am so excited to go "home" for the holidays.
I've had plenty of moments of getting choked up thinking about. It's hit me at Mass, when certain songs come on the radio, while wrapping presents...

We're going to South Carolina for Christmas. I'll be with my parents, sister & her family, brother & his family, and my boys will get to see their cousins. First time since Brennan was a baby. We see my side of the family usually once a year, so it's exciting. I miss them a ton, especially during the holidays, and it feels like THE present of this season.
My dad will play his accordion, we'll all go to Christmas Eve Mass together, there will be a fire in the fireplace, fondue on the stove, riding the trolley downtown, music from the 40's playing that my parents enjoy.

When it comes down to it, the presence of loved ones, can truly be the best gift.
I am looking forward to the present of the presence.