It's strange how as you grow older, you learn that things aren't as they always seemed to be. You may have been told one story, when in actuality it goes much, much deeper. And then apparently you can handle more when you're older, so that's when people decide to tell you the truth.

No matter how many things that make the world seem like a dark and evil place, I want to believe otherwise. I want to believe there is some peace in the world, no matter how hard it is to find. That no matter how bad things may get, there is some good. The world needs hope for the future, and there isn't much of that anymore.

Anyway, Christmas. I got lovely things. Mostly books that I wanted, 5 CDs which was nice considering I needed more music, Wii games and our new Wii, new Kingdom Hearts, money, and other random things. I got a lot of food this year. I wish I could have faked happy a little better. Not that I didn't appreciate everything. I just feel bad when I don't get all excited when I open presents from people. Hopefully they know I just don't do that kind of thing. Because I really do love everything I received.

I hope that when I'm a parent and I have my own kids that they can have a whole Christmas. They won't be spoiled by tons of gifts but they'll actually be able to understand the love and the faith and the real meaning behind it.