I remember at midnight my sister and I were allowed to open one present, and the rest at whoever’s house was throwing the party. We’d go to a house full of grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, and all of my cousins. What seemed like hundreds of gifts were huddled under the tree. I just remember spending the entire day playing with my cousins all over the house. The older men were smoking and drinking in the garage while all the females were in the living room gossiping. There would be all of these games that everyone would play. We’d all gather around the living room while someone picked up a gift, and said who it was for and who it was from. The kids would show off what they got and played with their new toys. By the end of it the entire room was a mess with wrapping paper and empty bags scattered all over the floor. 

I really wish Christmas was still like that. I don’t even see the family I spent all of my holidays with much anymore, despite all of us still living in the same city. Even though I don’t celebrate the holiday like I used to, i’m still grateful for everything that I have. Merry Christmas everyone.