Christmas has always been a very special time for me. Christmas is my all time favorite holiday, and it's all because of my parents.
My 1st Christmas with my family 1986 in Brooklyn, New York
Family is what makes Christmas special. In the 80's and 90's our family was at its peak, and the parties were epic. I can still recall the parties in our New York basement like it was yesterday. Back then everyone danced, bought gifts for each other, and everyone had a lively personality.
The Golden Age of our family
My brother and I rocking outfits made by my grandmother Cuca.
I was very blessed growing up. My parents always made sure that we had gifts to open up every Christmas morning. In addition to our gifts, we also received gifts from Santa Claus. My parents were great at selling the myth of Santa. I remember one time when my mother was driving my brother and me home, and she pulled up to our house, only to see Santa Claus exciting our front door. She then pretended that she couldn't find any parking and we had to round the block. By the time we came back, Santa was long gone. There was also the time that we heard someone running up the stairs. My brother and I chased "Santa" and some jingle bells fell down the staircase. Our grandfather who lived upstairs came out of his apartment and pointed out that Santa just ran through here, and up to the rooftop, my dad then opened the rooftop and there were presents jammed all up in there. Apparently, we scared Santa away but he still left a little something for us. There was also the time that my mom woke us up and had us creep down the basement stairs but we couldn't make a sound. We witnessed Santa putting gifts under the tree that night, or was it, my dad? Yes, it was my dad. To this day he still dresses up as Santa, but now he does it for my nephews. I will never forget those memories.
Christmas mornings were the best. Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, G.I Joe's, Video Games, and so on!
My brother and I singing the 12 Days of Christmas
Another thing that makes Christmas time special is the music. Christmas songs are always so happy. Let's not forget about all of the great Christmas movies out there. Some of my favorites include The Santa Claus, Elf, Jingle all the Way, and It's a Wonderful Life. As good as all of those are, nothing can beat Home Alone, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. I remember desperately wanting a Talk-boy, so I could play practical jokes like Kevin McCallister. I never did get one, but I swear I'm over it.
Kevin McCallister, the coolest role model a 6 year old could have.
Nothing beats celebrating Christmas in New York. I was so spoiled to spend my childhood waking up to snow and going to Manhattan to Ice Skate in Rockefeller Center.
New York City + Christmas = Magic
We eventually left New York, and ended up in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico was a very dark time for me, but I still loved that time of the year, and although we left the family that we grew up with, our new Puerto Rican family was quite fun.
We made the best of our hick lifestyle.
After our four-year stint in Puerto Rico, we made our way up to Florida to be reunited with our original clan. We had some good times, none ever matching those first ten years I experienced. A lot of our family members ended up passing away, and although we all live about five minutes away from each other, our family seems more distant than ever. We rarely hear from each other and it's a shame, but when Christmas time comes around we can always count on us all reuniting.
Christmas in Florida
My wife Natalie, and my Son Gatsby.
I don't know how many more Christmases my original clan/family have together. A good thing can't last forever. I am very glad to have started my own family, with my wife and my son. I very much can't wait to make up new memories. Merry Christmas everyone.
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