It is the little things….

In holiday seasons of the past, I have always felt this inane need to make them an extravagant affair.

One of the life lessons cancer has taught me, is that it truly isn’t about the extravagance.

Rather, it is about the little items we love, and those moments that make up an ingrained memory.

Like dancing in the kitchen with the boys.

Kissing sweet boys bald warm head.

Lazy mornings, complete with little boy cuddles.

Watching your husband flourish as a father.

Sunsets.

Bubbles. Bubble baths.

Feeling the wind, and flying kites.

Spying the moon in the sky.

Ocean dipped toes.

Playing ball with dad.

Coffee. Warmth. Comfort.

Being understood. Acceptance.

Swinging.

Learning something new.

Baking cookies.

Moments with pause.

Reading a good novel.

Heartfelt apologies.

Holding hands.

Exceeding expectations.

A good pair of shoes. Filling shoes.

Laughing until you cry.

Love without boundaries.

And so this year our holiday season will be a little different. A little scaled down.

The decorations will be less grand.

The gingerbread house will be smaller.

The presents fewer.

But instead the memories will be extravagant. Abounding.

After all, life it isn’t about keeping up with the Joneses.

You can’t take your material possessions with you when you die.

All that will remain is your legacy, and the memories you created and shared with others in your time here.