A Family Picture

Catherine M.

            There are many holidays throughout the year. The holidays gave me many special moments and memories that last forever. Christmas has always been one of my favorites, mostly because everyone gets a gift and it’s that time of year when you get to bundle up with a warm jacket, spend time with family and eat lots of food.

            The most memorable Christmas for me had to be when I was about ten years old. I remember my mom decorating the whole house with stockings, snowmen and Santa. My sister and I helped with decorating the Christmas tree. The smell of the cut pine tree was so refreshing.  My dad was the one who put the final touch on the tree by adding the shinning star on the very top. It would always be so cozy in my house; there was never any worry of being too cold.

Early on Christmas morning my sister and I ran from our beds to look for presents under the tree. We each found a gift and I would the tag. I was so happy that it was from Santa, because back then I couldn’t recognize my mom’s handwriting. After opening our gifts we would eat breakfast with both my mom and dad. Later in the day my mom would help my sister and I get dressed to go visit my relatives. I got to wear my special black velvet dress with gold sleeves and ruffles only on Christmas day. My mom asked everybody to pose for a picture in front of the beautiful Christmas tree. I cherish that wonderful moment; that picture I still have today and always love to look back at it and remember that happy day.

            Then comes the time to visit my dad’s family, and my mom’s afterward. It was always so much fun because I would see my two grandmas and all of my cousins. I would also see family that didn’t come very often because they lived far. Being with family was always so fun and special, especially because I got to wear that special dress. This particular memory will always be in my heart and in my mind.

I lost my dad about five years ago. I loved and missed him so much.  Christmas always bring back these special memories with him and my family.