Serendipity

With age comes a deeper appreciation for fleeting moments—those precious, often overlooked instances that define our lives. While this realization may not be universal, for me, it has become an undeniable truth as I grow older.

At 32, I know I’m still young, but compared to those I love dearly, I often feel the weight of being older. Watching them grow and navigate a world that can be harsh and unforgiving has given me new perspectives. I’ve come to understand what my parents meant when they said, “You’ll always be our baby.” I grasped it logically when I was younger, but the depth of that sentiment only became clear when I, too, had people in my life whom I loved and cared for as if they were my own.

Christmas, for me, has always been more than a celebration of gifts and food. It’s a celebration of time and joy—a day when work is secondary, stress takes a backseat, and the distance that separates us fades away. It’s a day to sit together, surrounded by the warmth of family or friends, and let love take center stage. These moments of togetherness, fleeting as they may be, are what matter most as we grow older.

It was never about how much money we spent or what gifts we exchanged. Instead, the true gift has always been the experience of sharing love and laughter with those closest to us. Growing up, I saw families who seemed to have so much materially yet lacked emotional support and connection. In contrast, my family—despite our struggles and modest means—embraced the beauty of the holidays. Our small, crowded house may not have been much, but it was filled with joy. Watching everyone smile, hearing their laughter, and feeling the love in the air was priceless.

Now, as an adult, I don’t care for gifts in the traditional sense. I’m more grateful for the love I share with those around me. The holidays remind me that life isn’t about material things but about the relationships and memories we build. My parents, my siblings, and my friends taught me how to love and take care of others, and through them, I’ve learned how to extend that love to the people who have come into my life over the years.

One of the most meaningful gifts I received this year was a simple Casio watch from my sister-in-law. It wasn’t the value of the gift but what it symbolized. I now wear two watches: an Apple Watch on my left wrist for practicality and the Casio on my right wrist, where I see it constantly. As a right-handed person, this small act reminds me daily of why I work hard and fight for the people I love. It’s a symbol of the love I carry and why giving up can’t be an option in my life.

As fleeting moments pass with age, they are replaced by new memories. These memories are gifts themselves, each one a testament to the strength of my relationships and the love that binds us. The older I get, the more I value the quiet beauty of these connections—not for what they give me, but for the joy of giving back. This holiday season, as always, I am reminded that the greatest gifts are not wrapped in paper but found in the time we share and the love we create together.