I'll be home for christmas

And I'm back... in Paris, that is.

Just moments after I published my pre-Prague post, I read about the horrific events that took place 50 minutes from my childhood home. My heart and thoughts have gone out to the families and children affected since. To show your support, please click here.

It can be hard to find magic in the holiday season; in the midst of such tragedy, and even when not. December is a a stressful month. And so, we should focus on more than love. The world could always use more, and the peace and joy it brings. Perspective, too. The only gifts that truly matter are the ones life (Mom, Papi, Jorgie, Deanna, looking at you) and the past year have given us.

A few weeks ago, I was at le Village de Noël on the Champs-Elysées with a German boy I've been spending more and more time with. He bought me my first vin chaud as we strolled by the festive stalls. I could've done without the mulled wine (not a fan), but my heart was warmed by the cheer of Christmastime in Paris and the sweet company I'd been able to share it with.

Then we rode the ferris wheel at the Place de la Concorde. We overlooked the city I realized I've fallen completely in love with. Despite or, perhaps, because of the ups and downs I've had with Paris, I feel like a real resident now. I know I'm going to miss this new home--especially the wonderful connections I've made here--while I spend the holidays in the States with my family.

I love knowing I'm coming back though. I've never done that before. I left Santiago and Strasbourg, and rather unfortunately, haven't gone back since. I so appreciate that I can enjoy my holiday traditions with those I love most and then return to Paris well-fed and well-rested and ready to take on the next year with all the goodness (and even the not-so-goodness) that is sure to accompany it.

By the way, after having reflected on making today that someday, I've decided that 2013 is going to be the year I embrace possibilities... especially the scary ones. See you in New York! Warmest wishes until then.