What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? It’s a question I asked several of our readers and contributors when putting together this Christmas issue.
My original thought was that it would just be fun to learn what readers prioritize during the holidays, but I loved having conversations about what each person loves during the holiday season. It turned into such a neat way to connect with people that I’ve never had the chance to meet in person, and I wanted the chance to return the joy that hearing all of your traditions brought me.
You see, with a name like Joy, I’ve always loved the Christmas season, but that’s no accident. I was born in early December, and my birth was accompanied with the fact that I would live with a genetic and chronic illness called cystic fibrosis. My life would be filled with doctors, medicines and a whole bunch of special considerations for almost every scenario, but despite all of this, my life is full of joy and reasons to smile at any time of year. While my health continues to be abundantly blessed and I’m doing well, my name is a reminder of what a constant joy life can be along with all the struggles.
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve made a joke about my name, I would be able to buy you all a real present, but for today, all I have to share is the constant reminder that everyone has a battle to fight or a mountain to climb, but the joy life has to offer is so prevalent.
The holiday season is filled with so many emotions. While I hope the cheer of the season is the spirit most felt, just know there are others with you in your times of despair, cheering you on as you fight your next battle. While I hope the beast you fight in the coming year is easily persuaded, I hope you choose to take with you a reminder of the love, hope and joy that presents itself in the holiday season.
I hope you see that joy this Christmas season in the faces of your family as you gather around the table. I hope you hear that joy with every carol sung. I hope you feel that joy in the warmth of a fire on a cold day and smell the joy that a home-cooked meal can bring.
My joy comes from the coming of the King this Christmas season and the reassurance that my hope for tomorrow is greater than anything I can experience today.
