Gentle hands lift me from the dark box I’ve been laying in for a year. Dad is the one holding me, and Sister is standing excitedly at his feet as he prepares to place me on the top of the tree. As we get closer, I can smell the oh-so familiar scent of pine. Dad climbs the stepstool and carefully balances himself. Mom comes up and places her hand at his back to steady him. They smile at each other. Brother is hanging ornaments around the tree while a familiar tune plays through the speakers of the TV. After a little struggle and a lot of laughs, I am finally back in my proper spot at the top of the tree. I look over the house, not much has changed. Christmas decorations are scattered all over the floor. I watch as the family works together to get the house decorated. To the right of me on a little table was a glass nativity scene. Fluff made up the snow that covered the ground and lights twinkled all around. The Little Baby Jesus lays in the center, surrounded by Mary and Joseph. Outside of the manger are three Wise Men, knelt in reverence. An angel and a shepherd stand guard of the humble family. I look around at the family around my tree. They laughed as they reminisced past Christmases captured in handmade school ornaments.
A week later is Christmas Eve. The past days have been filled with movies and music, laughing and smiles. The family made a gingerbread house, but it turned out to be a mess. I look to my left and see it sitting on the kitchen table. I laugh at the thought of Brother and Sister decorating each other more than the gingerbread. I look at Mom and Dad now, sitting together on the couch. Brother and Sister are asleep in their beds. The presents have slowly filled up the space below the bristles of the tree. The smell of pine fills the house as Mom lights the candle sitting on the table by the couch. They smile at each other before heading off to bed.
Christmas morning! Brother and Sister run excitedly into the living room. Mom and Dad stand in the doorway to the living room, smiling happily as the kids look at all of the presents they have. Before they're allowed to open anything, Dad puts on some Christmas music and Mom walks by the tree looking at which present to pass out first. Brother says Sister can open the first present. They all sit together and watch as Sister opens her first present. She shrieks in excitement! Brother opens a present next. The day continues on and everyone is happy.
When the day comes to an end, I know December is also coming to an end. The end of December means the beginning of a new year. A new year will bring new adventures for the family. However, the end of December means that I will have to be packed away into my box again for another year. This is always the hardest part. Being around and being apart of this family - even just for a few months - is what I look forward to every year. I have seen this amazing family grow over the years. Mom's mother gave me to her and Dad as a Christmas present when they were first married. I was around for the birth of Brother and the welcoming of Sister. I have been here and I hope to be here forever more.
