I haven’t opened a single Christmas present yet, but I already got the best gift I’m gonna get this year.

You see, Saturday night I had myself a little panic attack. I was still pretty raw from my wanton Googling escapade. One minute I was bent over blow drying my hair and the next I’m sitting on the edge of the tub, head on my knees, crying — full-on freak out mode. I was preparing myself to go down to see The Grad’s band play. But suddenly there was a weird hole in the time-space continuum and I was 22 again.

If I had a nickel for every time I prepared myself to go see some guy I knew play, I could buy a new iPod. When I was in college, I would boldly go wherever I wanted alone. In fact, my friend Goetz was always impressed with my ballsiness, how I had no fear of walking into any bar completely alone and not even sure if I’d know anyone. Of course, this was Eau Claire and the odds that I’d know someone were always in my favor.

But in my panic I decided that I simply could not venture to Dunn Bros. alone. I couldn’t do it. There was no way in hell that I was going to complete my journey back to 1994 alone. But I felt obligated. I told The Grad I would be there, and I take giving my word pretty seriously. The odds that I’d have a partner in crime were not in my favor, and the chances that I’d go against my word were slim.

I gave up the futile beautification efforts and went downstairs to find that Kelly was online. She was my second-to-last hope. If she wasn’t going to come with me, I’d make Sister #3. I knew Kelly had spent the day with her not-completely-there grandparents celebrating Christmas.

But I went forth and asked anyway. “I can’t go alone,” I told her. “I’m a wreck.”

And even though she was already in pajamas, she said yes. She climbed back into real pants and joined me on my journey back to 1994. Which turned out to be great gobs of fun, and a story for another time.

This is what I wish for you, darling ones, on this Christmas. At least one person in your life who will change out of their pajamas so you don’t have to go see a cute boy’s band play alone. Having that person in your life is better than anything that can be wrapped up in pretty paper. I am so blessed.

Merry Christmas.