JAVIER: The best Christmas present: The gift of life itself

(OSV News photo/Gregory A. Shemitz)I will always remember Christmas gatherings with my grandparents. My Lola (Tagalog for grandma) stayed up late to make pancit noodles and was excited whenever someone took her picture during our family get-togethers. 

“You will have these memories of me whenever I leave this world,” she would always say. In the same room, Lolo (Tagalog for grandpa) would often be found laughing and playing with his grandchildren. His excitement would only increase when we would start playing his favorite game, UNO Attack; something about the cards randomly shooting out brought out an immense amount of joy to his face. 

For most of the evening, Lolo and Lola would simply sit in the corner of the house and take it all in. Having a yearly family get-together was the best gift they could ever want and one they always looked forward to.

As I look forward to my next Christmas gathering, I prepare myself for the reality that Lolo and Lola won’t be there. Lola passed in 2010, and shortly after, so did my Lolo. As they both reached the sunsets of their lives, I recall both being incredibly grateful for the beautiful gift of life that God had given them. As I prepare for the Christmas season, I continue to reflect on how we often overly focus on the temporary gifts of the season rather than the gift of life itself. Although I miss Lolo and Lola dearly, I feel incredibly grateful for the 28 Christmases I was able to spend with them.

In St. Augustine’s Confessions, he responds to God’s gift of life: “In all this you command me to praise you, to make my confession to you, and to sing to your name, O Most High, for you are God, almighty and good. Even if you had done nothing else, this gift alone, which none but you can bestow, is reason for me to praise you.” 

Amidst all the chaos of planning gatherings and buying gifts, St. Augustine continues to remind us that existence itself is a gift. 

Throughout the Confessions, he reflects on how God could have even chosen not to allow him to be born. The reality of his living past infancy was a miraculous gift in itself.

During this Christmas season, let us remember that our time here in this world is temporary, and the opportunity to have another Christmas gathering is quite a gift. If we looked at Christmas through those lenses, what gifts would it bring us? It would allow us to let go of the idea of having the perfect Christmas dinner and simply be present with those around us. 

The significance of Jesus coming to us in a humble manger to take on our pains and sufferings in this life. Let us also call to mind the continued gift of His presence to us in the Eucharist.

How will you make memories with your loved ones this Christmas? I want to share some ideas with you all:

• During your child’s Christmas break, set up a day and time to interview a parent or grandparent. Jeffrey Mason has two books titled “Mom, I Want to Hear Your Story” and “Dad, I Want to Hear Your Story” that can help provide structure to the interview.
• As you cook your favorite dish this season, consider having your child join you. You could even have them record you cooking your special dish while sharing memories of your Christmas in your childhood.
• Find an old photo album from your younger years and share the stories behind some of the photos.
• Create a new Christmas tradition together. You could travel somewhere new, create Christmas ornaments, or even do something as simple as watching a classic Christmas movie together.
• Play board games or mini-holiday competition games as a family.
• Make time for the most important reason of the season and frequent the Sacraments together.

This Christmas, let us look past temporary gifts and focus on the profound gift of life and the people we share it with. Embrace the present moment and create lasting memories with loved ones, just as Lolo and Lola cherished their family gatherings. 

By choosing presence over perfection, we truly celebrate the season’s significance and the continuous gift of God’s grace. 

Christopher Javier is a volunteer at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Houston.