Christmas was always my favorite time of the year because of how my family used to gather in my little apartment. I used to have a secret santa from my scholarship fund that would send me Bratz dolls annually, and seeing the shape of the box would always add to my excitement.
The happiest Christmas that I recall is when my grandmother slept over at my house on Christmas Eve, when I was about 6 years old. I was always a little intimidated by my grandmother because she had such a big voice, and had a zero-tolerance policy. Nevertheless, I enjoyed her company. As many families do in my neighborhood, Christmas begins on Christmas Eve and there is an abundance of food, gifts, and love. I recall eating rice and beans, and other great food that escapes my thoughts, with my grandmother at the head of the table. My sister arrived and we exchanged gifts, and I received the MyScene convertible car, with two dolls to accompany it, and of course Bratz dolls. I received many necessities such as clothes, and my favorite were the new pajamas that I would receive from my mother. I remember playing with my dolls on the floor until I became too tired to function, and seeing the gift exchange amongst my family members. My mother would always receive a gadget from my older sister, and her reactions were always priceless.
My grandmother slept with me in the bed that night and I recall waking up to my mother cooking breakfast. The first thing that I would go to were my dolls because I had the whole day to play pretend, and I also had my grandmother to accompany me. As the food was being prepared, the annual Disney Christmas special was on Channel 7, and I remember singing the latest songs from Christina Aguilera. My favorite memory was playing in my bed with my dolls and coming up with scenarios for them. My grandmother had such a vivid imagination so she would entertain my childish games. I miss her dearly and I wish that her presence would give me as much joy as it did many years ago. Christmas isn't the same due to the lack of unity from my family, and my grandmother who held us all together.