the meaning of Christmas.

Sometimes it takes a few hours or days to put things into a meaningful perspective. Like the holidays.

How was your Christmas?

I was asked that by many over the past 48 hours or so. I don't know exactly how to answer it. Truthfully? It was happy, sad, ironic, disturbing, fun, lousy and wonderful.

Now, I know I should pick out the good adjectives and toss the rest aside, but we're being honest, right?

The meaning of Christmas for me this year comes at a time where I am beginning to understand the life of Jesus and my place in His story. From that angle, it is a wonderful, amazing and interesting journey.

Being a mom, I treasure the panda bear dangly earrings given to me by my youngest, and the light-up mom key chain from my oldest.

As a sister/daughter/aunt/ex-wife, the time spent with the family was joyous but not without issue. God gives you this family, and maybe it's to test you. Or maybe it's just a really funny joke. I haven't, however, found the punchline yet.

As a friend, I am blessed a thousand times over. The gifts from you are emotional, spiritual and tangible.

The best moment of my Christmas came from sleepy Jess, who was curled up in bed with Bitty baby snuggled under one arm. "You're such a good mom to Bitty," I told her, just as her eyes opened enough so that I could tell she was awake.

"You're such a good mom to me, " she said.

And that was the very best gift, ever.