What is it about Christmas that makes it so special? The people, the food, the gifts, the carols? It’s definitely become a busy, packed mall kind of holiday. Thinking back to my childhood I have so many fond memories of this time with my family. This year I am excited to recreate some memories as well as make new ones as a family of three.
My parents did such a great job that Santa Claus remained a big part of my life until high school. Yes you read that correctly, probably until grade 8 or 9. Maybe it was my innocence that kept me in the spirit or the fact that Santa would always visit my house for Christmas, stay a few hours, and distribute our gifts.
The lead up to Christmas was always fun and full of anticipation. It started with a letter to the North Pole and a response from the big guy himself! Next were the carols. My dad would blast Elvis Presley and the Time Life Christmas Classics Collection and my sister and I would play the Mini Pops record on repeat. Being half Chilean, the big day for our family was Christmas Eve. Christmas day was more of a normal day spent playing with new toys, trying on fresh outfits and recuperating from a late night up.
Christmas Eve my family and some close family friends would eat anything but a traditional turkey or ham meal. We had five spice chicken, duck, goose, or pig to name just a few meals. After dinner the adults would quickly try to reel us into bed convincing us that Santa would be coming and we could not be awake when he arrived. Little did they know that I would lie awake pretty much the entire time not being able to contain my excitement. At midnight we would hear the adults yelling announcing his arrival. Down the stairs we would go and there he would be – Santa Claus!
He knew us by name and greeted us with hugs. One by one he would reach into his sack and call out our names. We would sit on his lap and chat a while then he would continue with the rest of the kids including the adults. They seemed to have the most fun, jumping onto Santa’s lap and sharing laugh after laugh. Once it was complete, Santa would continue on his way to deliver presents and what do you know? Wayne, our family friend who would leave to buy ice cream on a yearly basis, would return and say he saw Santa flying over the highway.
Being a new parent and celebrating my daughter’s first Christmas makes me stop and really appreciate the effort my parents and family put in to making this holiday memorable year after year. I am looking forward to bringing back the innocence of the season. I want my daughter to remember the time spent with family and to live out winter adventures that she will look forward to and remember forever.
Happy Holidays everyone. Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, may you have a restful end of year surrounded by those you love most. I’m sending some extra love to all those we have lost who will be celebrating with us from above. XOXO.
Todo lo que pudiste me recuerda en mi memoria esos momentos jamás se olvidarán .junto siempre estarán! Y Ernesto desde arriba dirá.i gladd I leave a legacy to pass on ,with my kids and grandkids , su mamá está orgullosas de Uds hijas tu y Nany .feliz navidad
Unforgettable memories!!! Thank you for taking me back. 😘