First published through The Paris News on Dec. 25, 2017. The article can be found on their website at http://theparisnews.com/opinion/article_2465adaa-e829-11e7-b1c7-dff0fea7e774.html and was backdated.

Growing up I never understood what Christmas was really about. I was taught its meaning at a young age, even though it isn’t when Jesus was born, we still celebrate this time of the year as if he were still in the manger.

The story I was taught was that of Luke 2:8-20.

The verses say, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

C. S. Lewis simplified by saying, “The Son of God became a man to enable men to become sons of God.”

We typically hear, “Don’t forget the reason for the season.” Jesus is the reason for the season and family is a close second.

It wasn’t until just a few years ago I started appreciating my family more and more. Nothing tragic happened to cause me to enjoy more family time, I just realized how much family really means.

I even enjoy spending time with my sister-in-law — weird, I know.

But, last year it hit me what spending time with family meant. It doesn’t mean what you get under the tree or what Santa brought you. Spending time with family means getting to color with your niece; losing a game of junior monopoly with your 10-year-old niece; tell a rather inappropriate joke you know will make mom laugh; eat dad’s famous fried fish; or wrestle with your brother, who may be too old now to do so without having to take a trip to the emergency room for pulling something.

C. S. Lewis was a really wise man when he was around. He once said, “The sun looks down on nothing half so good as a household laughing together over a meal.”

That’s just the way our home is, a household filled with laughter. Not only did my dad say noisy children make the home, but he also said  he was rich — not rich in the monetary value, but rich with family who loves one another.

I was talking with my girlfriend, Chelsea, one night about our favorite holiday memories. She said she enjoys the holidays because it allows her to spend more time with family.

I asked her why and she gave one of the  best answers I have ever heard.

She said, “It’s nice. You stop what you’re doing. Look around, and everyone is just there, together.”

I hope everyone gets to enjoy a Christmas with their family together as I have had the opportunity to do so for many years — and hopefully many more to come.