For several years now, I, and a good amount of my family, haven't really been able to get into the Christmas Spirit. Not going into too much detail, we had a couple different family tragedies happen during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Because of this, none of us really ever felt like we could totally get lost in it. I haven't properly decorated for the Holidays in a long time. A lot of the time, we would all fake it for each other’s benefit, and for those that were young. To be honest, I felt bad. I felt bad for not being able to join in with those who do care so much about that, and I was afraid that this trend was going to continue into my future. But this Christmas brought about a change.

On December 18th, after my sister and brother-in-law picked me up from the airport, they told me that my sister was pregnant. They were going to have a baby, and were so excited. I was going to be an uncle. They were planning to tell all the rest of the family on Christmas. They told me early so that I could help them film my parents’ reaction. I was so happy for them, and we spent much of the next week discussing what would happen, and how things will change. We discussed how our parents would react, and I could feel myself getting excited for the holiday again.

So on the day of the reveal, we got ready to open presents. I sat beside my mom, my camera prepped, while my sister gave them the present. After dealing with the normal flak we always get from my parents whenever we get them a gift for Christmas, they opened it to find a Raider’s onesie. They immediately started hugging my sister and brother-in-law. The news quickly spread around the house, and congratulations were thrown around in happiness. Everyone was so happy, and that was when I realized something. Next year would be the first year that we had Christmas with a baby in my immediate family. My sister is the first of my siblings to have a child, and I could tell by looking around the room, that next year would be a very happy Christmas.

But besides all of that, I have been thinking about one simple thing. I'm going to be an uncle. That's just an insane thought for me. I still feel like a kid sometimes, and now my sister is going to be having a child, and suddenly I'm thinking of all the things I'll be able to do for the future member of my family. I already have it set in my mind that I'm going to be the favorite uncle, which means some planning on my part when I have three other uncles to compete with. I know that I'm not going to be able to be around as much as my competition, which means I have to make my visits the best.

So with these plans in mind, I have to say congratulations to Allison and Javy. I can't wait for this summer, and I am so excited for what lies in your future. You guys are going to be fantastic parents.