Growing up, there was always a method to the holiday season in our household, or so I'd like to think there was. Somehow, through all the craziness of buying gifts, winter break at school for my sister and I, and the holiday must do's that ensued, my family always managed to sit around a table together, and enjoy each other's company. Christmas has always been my favorite time of year because nothing changed as the years passed. Coming home from college will definitely be a new experience for me, as my mother has already decorated the house, and set up the Christmas tree, a job I normally liked to take over as my own. One thing is for certain though: the traditions we've started over the years will always be my favorite parts of Christmas.

The first best part about Christmas was always watching ALL of the claymation movies leading up to Christmas eve. I can remember sitting with my dad and sister in the living room with my eyes glued to the screen as we watched The Original Christmas Classics year after year. No matter how old I was, it never got old. Actually, this will be the first year that I will not get to see these treasures leading up to Christmas.

The second best part about Christmas was always getting to see both sides of my family on that day. Normally, we'd get up and have breakfast at my house, then see my mother's side of the family, drive over to my father's side of the family, and eventually end caroling at my dad's Canadian cousin's house who live near his childhood home. I'm not quite sure how things will be working this year, seeing as though we have one less (our rock) on my father's side, but knowing my family, we will work it out to the best of our ability.

The third best part about Christmas was always having next day lunch at my mother's parents house. Usually consisting of Italian Wedding soup and sandwiches, my grandma always knows how to bring together a family. After this, the cousins always play board games, or cards together, until we decide what movie we all want to go see in the theater. Who knows what it will be this year.

A lot has changed in one year, but the traditions will stay alive in my family, whether or not we admit to them being traditions or not. I cannot wait to see my family for Christmas this year to share memories and heartwarming days with them all. It is truly a blessing knowing that I have somewhere to go home to over Christmas break that is a brief intermission from the otherwise busy and crazy life I live. Hopefully everyone has a safe, and merry Christmas, or Happy Holiday, whatever you choose to celebrate!