Christmas changed for me before I entered my teenage years, not because I discovered that Santa Claus wasn’t real but because my mother’s death was. In her absence the holidays have continued to bring excitement and happiness but still haven’t been the same. 

I can’t remember ever believing in Santa or reindeer. I’ve always known the true reason for the season, that the presents under the tree were from my parents and that family was and always will be the best gift I could ever ask for.