It is the comfort of being together

Editor’s Note: As part of a practicum assignment, students were asked to reflect on their favorite Christmas memories. This series, written in a more personal style, captures the unique moments and traditions that make the holiday season special.

Growing up, like many others, Christmas was always a special time of year for me and my family.

I was very fortunate to have a lot of extended family close by, which made for a very special holiday season.

My favorite memory each year would come on Christmas day. However, it was not when I woke up and ran down the stairs to check under the tree.

Every evening, my family and I would make the short drive over to my grandparents’ house for our own Christmas there, and these moments are still very dear to my heart.

We had a strong group of family who would make the short trip over.

We were a dog family, so we would often have all of my grandparent’s dogs and my aunt and uncle’s dogs, along with our own, at the gathering.

One of my favorite memories each year would be watching my Mimi give each dog their own gift baskets with lots of treats and toys. She liked for them to be a part of the festivities.

My Papa and I have always been very close, and he loved making Chrismas special for my brother and I.

He baked tons of colorful Christmas cookies and would give us grocery bags full of stocking stuffers because he felt like that was his own personal touch on stockings.

I loved getting to spend time with him.

We watched movies, usually on Christmas vacation, and typically would follow that with whatever sporting event was on that day. Hearing him share his own Christmas memories was certainly enjoyable as well.

Now that I’m older, I find myself cherishing those simple moments even more. I am thankful to say we still partake in these traditions as a family, and I am very proud of that.

It’s the warmth of family, the joy in the little traditions, and the feeling of being home that stays with me.

Although my grandparents’ house isn’t filled with as many dogs and laughter as it once was, the memories are always there, keeping their spirit alive in each Christmas I celebrate.

As I grow older, I realize that these memories have helped shape my appreciation for the holiday season. While it was nothing specific, the beautiful little things have added up.

I always remember the dogs on Christmas, or eating cookies with my grandpa and I hope to recreate these memories for my own kids and grandchildren when I get older.

As I reflect on those Christmases spent at my grandparents ’house, I realize that it wasn’t the gifts or the food that made them special; it was the people. It was the comfort of knowing we were all together, sharing in the joy of the season.

I carry these memories with me every Christmas. They are a reminder of what this time of year is truly about: love, family, and the simple joy of being together.