Christmas Thoughts

Christmas time brings out the best in me. It brings upon a certain peaceful feeling that I do not experience the rest of the year. Everything leading up to Christmas could be considered havoc. Scrambling around to find the perfect gift for family member's and friends. Although now, most people do their shopping on the internet.

I missed the good old days when you had to fight over things at the mall. Shopping at the mall becomes an extreme sport, a heavy task, and a search and rescue mission. A hectic scene takes place in just about every store. I remember how crowded toy stores were. Kids faces lighting up as the toys sit on the shelves, begging to go home with them. Jewelry stores are usually really crowded as well. Yes, the mall is my favorite place to people watch during Christmastime.

I remember on Christmas Eve I got to open one present, usually one of the smaller ones. Then bedtime was a restless scene; anticipating the morning's events. I believe I woke up with a smile on my face every year. As I got older, I started waking up earlier than everyone else. I remember my presents piled up like a mountain of happiness in the middle of the living room. I tried to be calm as I took my time opening them up carefully. I am not really sure what my best gift was. I was just happy I had my family to enjoy and be happy with.

Extravagant home cooked meals were always waiting to be made. So much love is put into every meal as well as mouth watering ingredients. At dinnertime we sat around the table, something we don't do on an average day. The anecdotes and humor being passed around like the food. The smells still stayed with me days after the events. I cherished my presents like they were as good as gold. Memories are made every year and can never be taken away from me.

I often wonder what future holidays will bring. So far, all of holidays are spent around the same faces. Ten years from now, what will be different? Or will Christmas stay the same? I hope the future will bring many more special memories. Christmastime will forever be my favorite time of the year.