Among the five Love-Languages, mine is gifts—particularly getting gifts. Consequently, Christmas registers in bright red letters on my calendar. I know what you’re thinking: how juvenile! Yes, I haven’t outgrown the selfish and materialistic component of the Christmas holiday. Outwardly I maintain the composure required of all adults quietly pointing out the true meaning of Christmas, while inwardly I’m regressively jumping up and down in my jam-jams like a sugar-plum faerie.

Curiously, my favorite gift this year wasn’t the new Sony Android tablet which I like plenty or my Kindle subscription to “Word among Us” or the Hello Kitty stationary set. Oddly, my favorite gift wasn’t exactly material but an act of service—not my primary love language. This year my family joined me in attending the Solemn Latin Mass on Christmas Eve, close to midnight and way past our bedtimes. Although Kolleen has attended on a number of occasions, I believe this was the second Mass Kimberly ever went to, the first being my confirmation which was a three hour, five priest super High Mass extravaganza with all the Latin fixin’s. Perhaps it was a bit much for the uninitiated but still beautiful beyond belief.

It had been some time since we had gone to Church together and this was really cool. I am once again grateful to God for my family who has supported me on my road home. I am extremely fortunate and blessed and I am reminded of it once again.

Now, where are all the brightly wrapped presents for me, me, me!