Although 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!