In my family, like any other we have our own set of holiday traditions. However this year was a little different then previous years, as I wanted to make sure I was home in time to celebrate with my entire family. Since I was staying in Florida for a few months with my dad, I was a little worried that our annual traditions would be ruined. We were not sure if we would all make it back home to Wisconsin in time for Christmas.

However in the end, I was fortunately able to be home in time and reunite with my family at last. Although I was not able to be there to put up the tree with my mom and younger brother Julian, I was so excited to walk in the door and see the entire tree lit up and already decorated with all of our ornaments. When I look at all of the different ornaments on the tree, they really remind me of all the memories we’ve all created over the years together.

There are the ones with photographs of when me and Julian were younger. There is my peacock ornament that I got as a gift from the first year my cousins spent the holidays with us. I now have a small collection of peacock ornaments that remind me of that time that are all very special to me. And of course there are all the ornaments that me and my brother made as kids, at school, and our ornaments from family vacations.

When I was younger I simply liked putting each one up, but now that I’m older they are even more special to me as I realize that each one has a story to tell. When I was younger, I was always the one to put the angel on top of the tree, and now Julian is the one to do it, even though he’s way too tall to sit on my dad’s shoulders anymore.

Of course some of our traditions have changed as I’ve gotten older. For example, Christmas family photos, or how me, my mom, dad and my brother used to sit around the tree and sing Christmas carols nearly every day up until Christmas. Even though some of our traditions have changed I still always look forward to the holidays and spending time with family. I am almost always the first person to put the very first present under the tree. Although admit I was a little sad because I wasn’t home to do it this year until later.

Despite our ever changing traditions, we do have some if course that remain the same. Each year my mom makes monkey bread for breakfast, which is kind of like a cross between cake and a pancake. We’re all only allowed to open one present before breakfast and then I pass out the rest of the presents to everyone.

This year like most I gave a variety of both handmade and store bought gifts including jewelry, a picture, and my personal favorite, a picture frame decorated with seashells. I’d definitely say that my favorite gifts that I received were my two fountain pens, (for writing and practicing calligraphy), and my two LOL surprise dolls. Despite all of the setbacks and challenges I’ve faced this year, I am very grateful I was able to be home for the holidays and be with my family again to celebrate Christmas and New Years with them!