It’s the little things in life that tend to make all the difference. I tend to appreciate the little things that are brought into my life more than the big events. The larger moments are exciting for a while, but it is the smaller, more personal moments that cause the heart-warming feelings to last.

I was excited in August when I successfully purchased tickets to see Hamilton in Chicago. It’s hard to explain the joy I felt on that day. But now, months later, I do not experience that rush of happiness every time I think of having tickets. The burst of excitement will come back again in February when I actually go to see the show, but for now, I can’t force the feeling to return.

Having an event like that in my life doesn’t compare to the constant heart-warming feeling I get when I think about something smaller, such as the details of Christmas. It could be the middle of July and I will think about decorating the tree, listening to the cheerful music, baking Christmas cookies, and decorating my my house with beautiful, twinkling lights; I then feel warm inside. It brings me immediate joy that cannot be replaced by anything else.

I also love the things even smaller than that. I love doing puzzles and playing games with my friends. I feel happy when I walk into my house after a long day at school and smell a warm dinner being prepared by my mom. I can’t even explain the feeling of relief and content when I properly organize my bedroom so that everything is as it should be. I love reminiscing about the memories I have made with my cousins over the years.