Unwrap a Forgotten Memory This Christmas

If there was ever a time for pausing—it’s got to be Christmas. It’s a time where traditions are born and memories are made. Oh, I know it’s also the most hectic time of the year, but it’s a time for pausing, too—and drinking in your surroundings—from the colored lights, evergreen wreathes with big red bows, the scent of gingerbread cookies, peppermint hot chocolate, crackling fireplaces, bright banners that line the street lights, or sounds of joyful carolers.

While I have a multitude of Christmas memories, there are some that remain buried—forgotten. So, a thought occurred to me. If I paused long enough to dredge my memory banks—could I unearth a forgotten gem from years gone by? I gave it a go.

By fast-forwarding through every Christmas of my life, I landed on one during my university years. I was in my college dorm writing Christmas cards to about 20-25 friends on campus. I decided I would not mail them.

Instead, I created a tradition of hand-delivering them

a few days before Christmas break.

On delivery night, I remember snow gently falling in the darkness as I trekked across the small campus to every dorm room or apartment. I felt myself relax and enjoy the journey. As I traipsed from one building to another, I reflected on what the holiday—and college life—meant to me as I entered every dorm.

I noted the decorations my friends displayed, the Christmas music playing in the background, and our carefree demeanor. Everyone was content. Final exams were almost over. Anticipation hung in the air like the fresh scent of snow, and I felt the aura of my youth.

I loved engaging in key conversations with my friends and exchanging warm Christmas wishes with every card. I also remember sliding down a hill in my slippery shoes, like a skier—minus the skis. I felt alive. And the thought of driving home to see my family in a few days warmed my heart. It wasn’t lost on me that I was living in the moment—and the college years are an extraordinary time of life. These years are filled with the joy and hope that comes as we eagerly—and strategically—craft our future.

This lost memory was lying deep below the surface. I had to fish for it to uncover it—and usher it back into the present—where it could speak to me again.

This Christmas, why not relive one of your buried treasures? You just need to pause a bit, dig for it, dust it off, and let it rise to prominence once more.

I think you’ll find, like I did, that although I had temporarily forgotten this memory, when I unwrapped it again—it was still a gift.

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SOMETHING TO CHEW ON: This Christmas, think about some of the special memories you have had over the years. Dig deep. Try to unearth something that was once important to you—and until now, you had forgotten. Think through past Christmases at different ages. What did you uncover? Rediscovering a lost Christmas memory is a thrill all its own.

Unwrap a Forgotten Memory This Christmas

Instead, I created a tradition of hand-delivering them

a few days before Christmas break.

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