How do you celebrate holidays?
The holidays have always been more than just a time of celebration for me—they are a season of reflection, gratitude, and connection. As I look back on my journey, I’ve come to realize that how I celebrate the holidays is deeply influenced by my personal experiences and the things I hold most dear: family, faith, and healing.
One of the most important parts of my holiday celebration is creating space for connection. Whether it’s gathering with my immediate family or catching up with friends who’ve become like family, I see the holidays as an opportunity to nurture those relationships. With each year that passes, I am reminded that it’s not about the gifts or the decorations but about the moments we create together—the laughter, the conversations, the shared memories. My husband and children are at the center of my heart during this season, and I make it a point to intentionally celebrate the gift of their presence in my life.
Another key aspect of how I celebrate is reflection. The holidays are a time for me to slow down, take stock of the year that’s passed, and acknowledge the growth that has occurred—both in myself and in those around me. I reflect on the joys and the challenges, the moments of heartbreak, and the victories that have shaped the year. For me, this reflection is an act of gratitude, a way of honoring both the beauty and the brokenness that life brings.
As a woman of faith, the spiritual significance of the holidays is never lost on me. Christmas, in particular, is a time where I draw closer to my faith and remember the ultimate gift of grace and love. It’s a time to reconnect with the deeper purpose behind the celebrations and to be reminded of the hope that was born into the world. I carry this sense of purpose into how I engage with my family and loved ones during the season, making sure that we keep the heart of the holiday—love, hope, and gratitude—at the center of all that we do.
Lastly, I celebrate the holidays by creating new memories with my children. From baking cookies to decorating the tree, I’ve learned to appreciate the small moments that bring us joy. I’ve found that it’s in these simple, heartfelt traditions that the true magic of the season lives. The joy on their faces as we share stories, laugh, and savor the season together is what fills my heart.
So, how do I celebrate the holidays? I celebrate by being present—with myself, with my family, and with the memories of those who are no longer physically with me. I celebrate by reflecting on the year’s journey and all that it has taught me. I celebrate by holding onto the promises of hope and love that the season brings. And, most of all, I celebrate by embracing the gift of connection, one moment at a time.
—Coach Shae Pratcher