Christmas by Olivia Reed

From MemoryArchive

Who: Olivia Reed
What: Christmas Memory
When: Christmas
Where: Kentucky

One Christmas Eve many years ago, my younger brother and I prepared for bed, and the long wait ‘til morning. We set out milk and cookies for Santa, said good night to everyone, and went to bed. And that night, as I laid there awake, I could swear I heard Santa.

The next morning I awoke probably around 7:00 a.m. I wasn’t going to wait any longer for Christmas. I ran into my brother's room and whispered to him “Wake up! It’s Christmas!” After he got up, we went into my parents’ room. They weren’t very happy to be getting up so early, but it was Christmas so they couldn’t complain much. There were a few Christmas mornings I remember that my mother told us to go back to bed until ___ o’clock. We would, but not patiently.

After we had woken my parents up, we walked into the living room. The room would be divided into to two sides: mine and my brother's. We would sit on the floor and take turns opening gifts. My brother probably got things such as videogames and basketballs. I may have gotten stuffed animals and dolls. But no matter we got we were very happy and grateful. We also got a stocking full of candy - one of my favorites.

After we finished, my parents would open their gifts. My brother and I had gone to “Santa’s Secret Workshop” at school and gotten them both gifts. And no matter what we got them, they loved it simply because we got it for them. After all the excitement of presents, we would eat breakfast and relax a little before going to my grandparents’ houses. First we would go to my Granny’s, then my Mamaw’s. Here we would have big dinners, exchange gifts, play games, and just enjoy being together.

I love my house around Christmas. I also love all of our Christmas traditions. Since then a few things have changed. Now I’m the last one to wake up on Christmas mornings. Also the gifts aren’t as important now. We enjoy giving gifts and being with each other more. I love Christmas time, and I can’t wait for this one!