Can you believe that Christmas was just last week?

I sure can’t. It is like the holiday season snuck up on us, and we were too confused by the warm weather to really get in the holiday spirit.

This time of the year is a time for celebration. For some, last week was the biggest week of the year for their children — for parents to buy presents to place under the tree from Santa. For others, it was quality time to spend with family and celebrate church events. Some also get in the holiday spirit by writing out a list of things about themselves that they will improve upon in the new year.

Whether this season is mainly for you or for your children, I think we are missing a big opportunity.

This season should not only be about time away from work to spend with our loved ones, but it should be a time of looking back to see how far we have come throughout the year.

Some may have suffered the loss of a loved one or a pet. Reflect on how that made you feel at first and then how you grew to withstand that heartache. I bet it wasn’t easy, and you should be proud of overcoming that.

Did you work hard and get a promotion? Remember that emotion of finally getting rewarded for all of your hard work.

Some could have gone through a big change in life, such as a marriage, divorce or birth of a child. In some way, shape or form, those big events changed your life for the better and probably taught you patience, courage and confidence. Don’t forget about how strong you are after this year.

We should all remember the moments that made 2015 for each of us, and we should take pride in all that we accomplished.

Hannah Davis is the sports editor of The Farmville Herald and editor of The Charlotte Gazette and The Kenbridge-Victoria Dispatch. She can be reached at hannah.davis@farmvilleherald.com.