A Personal Christmas Story

Christmas is definitely my favorite time a year. This is the time when I get to buy presents and spend time with family. More importantly, it seems like the Christmas spirit prevails all around, through the month of December right up to Christmas Day.

I start saving for presents in October and then I hit the sales on Black Friday, in addition to other sales in early December. We always write Christmas lists early, and then pass them around so that we all get something we wanted. I will admit though, that when my little sister tells me she doesn't know what she wants it gives me a free license to buy her whatever I think she wants, and that's always fun. I'm almost giddy when I'm present shopping, because I can't wait to see the look on their faces. I love hearing paper ripping and seeing that wide-eyed smile on every person's face after opening a present.

I drive around looking at Christmas lights and luminarias late Christmas Eve. I love it when people deck out their houses. To me it's like admiring artwork. I ooh and aah with onlookers at the multitude of creativity Albuquerque residents possess. I tell myself every year that one day I will have a house and I'll go all out for the holidays. People that take the time and money to hang lights and decorate really contribute to the holiday spirit and to brightening up the city. Even when I'm just running errands or on my way home during the month of December, my mood perks up a little bit when I see one or two houses decorated here and there.

In addition to taking in Christmas beauty, I always look forward to seeing family. I keep myself so busy all year that Christmas is the only time I get to be around extended family. Phone calls, email, and myspace allow me to stay connected, but they're nothing compared to the real thing. It's great when we are all gathered together, because it feels like the atmosphere is just singing with love and warmth.

Where there's family, there must be food, and I usually do Christmas Eve at my Aunts with my dad's side of the family, while spending Christmas Day with my mom's side . On both sides of the family everyone brings one or two dishes with many varieties of green chile entrees. At my aunt's house, Christmas Eve dinner is more traditional with everyone gathered around the table. At my mom's we all kinda just grab a plate, sit in the living room, and watch a Christmas movie together.

Presents come after eating at my aunt's and on Christmas morning at my mom's. We all take turns opening presents, posing for the camera. Every year this is so exciting for me because every one gets new things and is always super happy with their gifts. And even if people aren't ecstatic with they're gifts, they act like they are, which I enjoy.

Christmas is also the day where the phone rings off the hook with long-distance relatives calling to wish us all a Merry Christmas. It's always great when Grandma calls from Texas and we pass the phone between five or six people. By the time she gets to the last person, she is ready to hang up which is why I always make a mad dash for the phone when it rings.

Colorful lights and decorations, food, shopping, presents, and family bonding.....Christmas at it's finest!