Warmth during the winter

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bells,” “Here Comes Santa Claus” and “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” are some of the classic Christmas songs most of us know well. Personally, I think these are best played when decorating the Christmas tree or when accompanied by a light show.

For several years, my mom and I drove around looking at Christmas lights in the area. It was by far one of my favorite things to do. We would go a block out of our way if we saw lights in the distance. From year to year, this looked different, but there were commonalities: it was an opportunity to take in the beauty of the lights and spend quality time with my mom.

Some years, we would only look at the lights on the 8-mile drive home, while other years, we would take time to drive through various streets, admiring all the hard work everyone put in. Luckily, some houses do an amazing job year after year. These are my all-time favorites to drive past.

Growing up, I always appreciated the changing of weather. As the leaves turned, the ground began to freeze and snow covered everything, I always thought this was the most wonderful time of the year. Being able to look out the window to a white blanket laid across everything made “walking in a winter wonderland” a reality. It also meant the snow in the yard would be pushed onto what looked like the biggest snow pile ever.

My siblings and I would use it to sled down, attempt to carve tunnels through it or use it as a shield during snowball fights. Now, when I see the snow pile, I remember all the memories we made and wonder how I didn’t freeze while doing that.

Having four other siblings, we were guaranteed to have our fair share of mischief passed from sibling to sibling. Being the youngest, I learned a lot of tricks from them.

During chores, we would bring snowballs into the barn and throw them at whoever was milking cows — and, of course, try not to hit my mom or any of the cows in the process. We knew they would get revenge on us by the time winter or chores were over, but it was fun to do regardless.

Nowadays, winter looks a little different. I don’t sled down the big pile and have not made nearly as many snowballs. I do, however, look forward to the holidays so I can sit down, relax and spend time with those that mean the most to me.

Coming from a big family, our holiday gatherings — even if they are just with my immediate family — are loud and crazy. Every year, we get together with my extended family on my mom’s side, which is roughly 60 people. We eat lots of food and have endless laughter. We spend the day catching up, playing games and opening presents. It is loud and can be crazy, but it is well worth being able to see all my relatives around the holidays.

Regardless of if there are 10 or 50 family members gathered together, some may have to speak louder or shout while having a conversation with the person next to them. All I can say is that I wouldn’t trade that for anything. I feel fortunate that I get to spend time with my family around the holidays because there are some not as fortunate.

Christmas for some may be a time to get presents, but for me, it is a time to reminisce, make new memories and appreciate those around me who mean the most.