CW: Death
Merry Christmas to all my readers who celebrate! Christmas is one of my favorite holidays. I enjoy the holiday season. My parents worked hard to make this time of year memorable when I was growing up. I love giving gifts to friends and family. It brings me joy to see people happy.
I put a lot of pressure on myself when it comes to giving gifts. I spend months looking for gifts for everyone, hoping they’ll like them. Usually, my gifts don’t leave anyone disappointed.
My favorite gifts are sentimental. I keep nearly all of the greeting cards from my loved ones. It’s lovely to read their messages. My cousin has given me many homemade ones. When I have a rough day, reading the greeting cards cheers me up.
Home movies show how exciting Christmastime was growing up. My sister and I would wake up early. We couldn’t wait to see what gifts were under the tree.
I am glad to have those videos saved on my Google account. I love seeing the videos of time spent with my aunts, my younger sister, moms, uncles, and grandparents. I particularly enjoy seeing videos of family members who have passed away. I’m so glad that I can still hear their voices.
In 2021, I received the piggy bank my grandmother had kept for me. The banks were always on the shelf in the spare bedroom. My grandmother had a bank for each of her grandchildren. Many times, I would look at them when visiting. Every cent was put away with love.
Growing up, I always knew that my family loved me. No one had to work hard to show their love for me during the holidays. I knew that I was always loved, and it didn’t need to be a holiday for me to know I was loved.
The family traditions are my favorite part of the holidays. For years, we went to the same Christmas tree farm. The owners took a family picture every year. They often had hot chocolate and cookies as well. We had a real tree when I was growing up. I loved the smell of the Fraser firs.
Decorating the Christmas tree feels like taking a walk down memory lane. Some ornaments I cherish. I have some that family members have given me, such as a pair of angels my grandmother gave me as a toddler. I enjoy reading the inscriptions in her handwriting. There are some that I made, including a gingerbread man from preschool.
The holidays have always been a special time. I have many wonderful memories of the holidays as a child. I am blessed to have a loving family and good friends. Their love and support is the most wonderful gift of all.