There is something about Christmas that calls us back to our roots. I don’t know whether it’s the cold and darkness that causes us to yearn for the companionship of those who know us best or whether it’s merely the atmosphere of tradition that harkens us back to reconnect with the past. Whatever the reason, something always stirs within me this time of year. 

As the days of December draw to a close, I’ve been homesick for Flagstaff and my friends there and for my family in Las Vegas. And so, Stephanie and I joined the Yuletide pilgrimage to the Southwest. And now we’re here. 
It is amazing to see my sisters growing up and spend time with my mom. Last night, we got drinks with two of our close friends from college and stayed up late swapping stories of our lives. We all remarked on how long overdue we were to catch-up.
It occurs to me that this is at the heart of the holidays — the sharing of our stories. We want to understand the far-off world of our loved ones and we, in turn, want them to understand everything that has changed in our lives. Maybe that longing, to reconnect and tell stories, is what really makes us want to be home for Christmas.
In the darkness at the end of the year, when we’re reflecting on our lives, I think we all want the chance to put it into perspective with people who love us. This Christmas, I hope someone hears your story…
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Jonny Eberle is a writer in Tacoma, WA. You can follow him on Twitter.