For so long now Christmas has been a family time. From when I was growing up All the aunts and uncles would come over with their kids to see Grandma and Grandpa at the house in Libertyville.
I would lay in bed on Christmas eve waiting for Santa to come to the house. I would also be waiting for the rest of the family.
Christmas was more than the presents under the tree. It was a time when I got to see many of my cousins. Trust me there were a lot of them. The house was filled with the sound of talk and laughter. Smells of Christmas cooking fill every inch of the house.
In the end everyone would go home and it would be just my mom, grandma, grandpa and me. But the Christmas feeling was still there. The memories lingered far longer then the smells of cookies and ham.
Now I don't see them like I use to. My mom side of the family all have their own Christmas traditions that they follow. I am sure that many of their grand children wait to see them and their aunts and uncles. With the smells of Christmas in the air. Laying awake after words with the feeling of wonder in their minds at what a wonderful time they have had. Looking forward to next year.
I have my own family now. We go to my wifes side of the family for holidays. I love them all and they have filled me with new memories of Christmas and love. In ways that are different and yet the same as when I grew up.
In the truest sense they don't need to get me anything for Christmas. They have given me a gift that goes far beyond anything money can buy. They have given me a family with love and hope. People to share with.
When I go home the memories will be with me long after the smells and sounds of Christmas day are gone.
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