I miss Christmas with the Family
Lifestyles, Nostalgia, Personal — By trench on December 23, 2007 at 5:46 pm | 756 VisitorsAlthough money was fairly tight growing up, my parents always made it a point to have some of the best Christmas celebrations I can remember. Those fond memories are some of the most cherished moments of the holiday season for me.
I don’t know how my parents pulled it off, but we would have so much food on the table it would last for weeks afterwards. Everything from turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce would be piled up like overflowing mountains. It was truly the feast of the year.
The Christmas tree always looked bare of gifts the whole holiday season, but after attending church on Christmas Eve and waking up bright and early the next morning, that bare tree would be so full of Christmas gifts that it would spill on all sides of the floor! For a few years, I actually believed it was all Santa’s doing!
As with our family tradition, my large and plump uncle would come out after eating dressed in a Santa outfit to pass out all the Christmas gifts. He would read out each of our names and all the gifts would be distributed before anyone could open them up. I can remember sitting on the floor with my younger brothers pointing to the biggest boxes and hoping that those gifts were mine.
When gift opening was done, a ton of kisses and hugs would go around and we would take photos until all the film ran out. It was always a great time. My brothers and I would play with our new toys and enjoy the day with no worries in the world. It was during those moments that every disagreement within the family household would seem to just disappear. The day always seemed so perfect.
Unfortunately, we haven’t celebrated Christmas that way in many years. We became teenagers and other things became more important in our lives. Although we still get together for the Christmas holidays for a early morning breakfast or brunch, most of the day is now spent working during the holiday and/or with our spouses and children. Those magical years of Christmas with the family seemed to have dissolved as we grew older.
My memories however will live on in my heart as long as I live. I’ll never forget those experiences with my family. It keeps me going strong and helps me remember the true meaning behind this magical holiday. Hopefully, when my wife and I begin to raise our family, I will have enough of that magic my parents had to give my children Christmas seasons that they will never forget.
Merry Christmas everyone!
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I have mixed heritage of Chamorro, Filipino, and Japanese and I currently reside on the beautiful island of Guam. My interests include critiquing films, eating out, import cars, gaming, web design, MMA, and bodybuilding. I'm also a die-hard fan of both the Los Angeles Lakers and San Francisco 49ers. I hate bandwagon fans!
11 Comments
That sounds absolutely wonderful. :) You’re very lucky to have experienced such magical Childhood Christmasses. Thanks for sharing Chris!
It’s times like these when I wish I was a kid again, it’s a bit different when you’ve gown up. Still the celebration’s there. Merry Christmas Trench!
Merry christmas to you and your family and happy holidays! All the best from Germany.
merry christmas trench :)
christmas greetings to you from new jersey! thank you for visiting my blog! that’s a great family photo. :)
may i link to your blog?
Your story reminds me of myself – how true that when we grow up, Christmas changes as we now have to pass on the wonderful experience to our children !
Merry Xmas and Happy New year to you and your family ! All the best for 2008 :)
Hey trench!
Thanks for visiting my site mate. :)
I can relate to what you wrote. When I was young, and by young I mean a kid, I remember how great it was to get the whole family together.
There was snow, a real Christmas tree we took from the forest and the atmosphere was fantastic.
Since then, with moving to Australia, the whole thing is meaningless. Here it seems like it’s all about corporations making a buck.
The lack of snow (and close family) kind made this Christmas a bit bland.
I’m at home as I write this, only with the girlfriend, spending Christmas day watching a bunch of movies we rented out yesterday.
Oh how I miss Christmas… :’(
hi trench! with mom and dad only having two children, how i wish that our family is as big as yours.
i do hope you’re spending this day with those closest to your heart and may this season bring a new sense of meaning to you.
btw, thanks for dropping a greeting in my blog. feel free to visit back anytime. happy holidays!
you sound like you have a wonderful family. you’re blessed. i’m not happy at home, to be honest. :) merry christmas to you! i pray the lord will bless you and your family. :)
That sounds a lot like Christmas at our house! Hope you had a wonderful Christmas this year…
Belated Merry Christmas man! Hope you’re doin fine. Wish you all the best and God bless! Also, advance Happy New Year! :D
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