When I was little, it was all about presents. I have a vague memory about being super impatient to open all my gifts at the family gathering. Sure, I was happy to see everybody, but what mattered most to me was what was inside those green and red wrapped boxes lying under the tree.

Then as I got older, it was less about my own presents and more about getting the right gift for someone else and seeing their face when they opened it. I loved finding that perfect gift that meant something for the people in my life who meant so much to me.

Now, it’s more about presence. Simply having everyone around the dinner table on Christmas Eve is enough. I might even go so far as to say that even without presents, I’d still be thankful to gather with my mother, father, sister, brother-in-law, nephews, niece, and brother-in-law’s father. Just seeing all their faces made my heart full. That and eating my weight in lasagna. But mostly the faces.

I think about one day when I will be in the presence of the Jesus whose birth is why we’re making such a fuss over Christmas. Then I will know in full. Then my faith will be made sight. On occasion, I am a little envious of those who have gone before me because they’re celebrating Christmas at the best party with the best people and the best possible host, Jesus Himself. They’re at home.

In the meantime, I’m thankful to have people rather than things. Things wear out and break down, but things can be replaced. You can buy a bigger, faster, stronger, upgraded version at some point that will make you forget the old car or the old coat. But the people in your life are what transforms your life from merely existing and taking up space to truly being alive. People were and are God’s business (and should be ours as well).

I hope there will be lots more birthdays, 4th of Julys, Easters, Thanksgivings, and Christmases because of the people that I love who will be there. Truly I am blessed.