With the fall semester coming to a close and Christmas quickly approaching, I can't help but reflect on all of the wonderful holiday traditions I am able to come home to. My family is very tight-knit, and we enjoy all the time we are able to spend together over Christmas. So, without further adieu, here are a few family traditions that I cherish the most.

One of my favorite holiday traditions would have to be when my family attends our local Christmas Eve church service. Every year my family will dress nicely, travel to church, and listen to the powerful story of our Savior's birth.

During this service, we are able to watch the youth reenact an authentic version of Jesus' birth and sing songs as a congregation. This faithful practice of attending church on Christmas Eve has instilled in me an everlasting love for the season of Advent. Not only are we reminded of what Jesus has done for us, but we are also given the opportunity to watch the youth develop in their faith as well.

When we come home from church, my family and I will always watch "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas." This movie is a staple in the Ahrendsen household. Jim Carrey has always been one of our favorite actors, but when you dress him up in a green, hairy, and unattractive ensemble you get one great Christmas movie. While watching "Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas," my older brother and I cannot refrain from quoting the entire film.

After the movie has completed, we will all get tucked into our beds for a restful slumber.

Christmas morning is filled with excitement, as we know that Santa dropped off his goodies the night before. Although most 20-year-olds don't obtain a visit from Santa, he still manages to make a debut at our home.

There will be part of Santa's beard (cotton pieces) that gets caught in the door the night before, along with a letter pertaining to my brother's and my behavior throughout the previous year. This particular Christmas tradition holds a special place in my heart, as I appreciate my family more and more as I grow older.

As the years pass on, I am so grateful to have a family that obtains such meaningful Christmas customs. I appreciate our faithfulness and appreciation for the true reason for the season. Jesus has sacrificed so much for our well-being and continues to display His endless love for us all. I am so lucky to be surrounded by individuals who support me in all that I endeavor and with every step that I take along with God's steadfast love.