Following the split from the Catholic church after I turned 16, I found myself struggling to place meaning in things that were once important to me through the eyes of religion- Christmas being a big one. Fortunately, the split from the faith allowed me to explore my sexuality more openly, and I found myself in love for the first time. Being in love during the holidays opened my eyes to a new meaning of Christmas, one where I was wholly and fully allowed to celebrate nothing but the love around me. Although the love story ended in sorrow, I will be forever grateful for the joy it taught me.