I don’t know why, but there’s something about wearing ugly Christmas pajamas on chilly, winter nights and the way the tree lights up after midnight that makes me miss my childhood.
In the last eight years, a lot has changed. Christmas has evolved into drama-filled days, holiday guests have come and gone, and my desire for children’s books has changed to, well, wanting MORE EXPENSIVE BOOKS, but that’s besides the point.
My early Christmas recollections are treasured ones that I will always hold dear, even after all these years have passed.
The Christmases I spent as a little child with my aunt and my cousins have to be the most vivid nostalgic recollections that I will always hold dearly in my heart. I had the good fortune to grow up with many of the classic toys and activities because it was the early 2000s and it seemed like a very authentic time.
As a child, my heart would be warmed by everything from the infinite decorations in the stores to our ideal toys waiting for us on the shelf.
I still clearly recall my obsession with One Direction, especially with Zayn, and my time spent watching music videos with my cousin as our parents were preparing tamales. From the apple pie in the glaze sitting on the kitchen counter, to the scent of cinnamon filled the entire house.
Even though I was very young, I do remember having an excitement run through me when I opened gifts and saw the One Direction or Junie B merchandise. Jones book collection that I had constantly begged my mother for, much to her annoyance.
My cousins and I used to sleep together in the living room on Christmas Eve. We used to stay up late exchanging stories and laughing around, staying up until three in the morning. We would always spend the night watching Elf, one of my favorite movies, in addition to telling stories.
You could never have realized how parents utilize the holidays to build enduring memories for their children that they would treasure forever and ideally pass on to their own children, as well as to express their unwavering love for them.
You would also be surprised at how many parents cry over the fact that they are unable to provide for their families to the fullest extent that they would like. I always thought that the holidays were a time to play games with your cousins and siblings, eat sweets, and open presents.
Even still, as I’ve become older, I will always remember those kinds of times because they help you realize how quickly childhood passes and how quickly growing up can hit you like a truck.
