For the holidays, my family goes out and cuts down a Christmas tree on Skyline Drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We usually bring hot cocoa to drink and warm clothes to wear. After we cut down the tree, we get the net and use it to secure the tree to the top of the car. When we get home with our tree, we usually decorate it together right away. I'm in charge of putting up the lights around the driveway and along the upper driveway fence.

On Christmas Eve, we play trivia with family and friends. On Christmas morning, we open presents and eat a wonderful meal together. A tradition we have every year is running a 5k at my neighbor's house. I love this part of Christmas Day. After the 5k, we come back home and play with our presents. We generally just relax and hang out until dinnertime. We always have dinner at my grandmother's house where we see my step-grandfather's side of the family. We eat together and it's really fun. I enjoy it.

Also in late December, I host a New Year's potluck celebration for the neighborhood, family, and friends. I have been hosting it for 14 years now. Each year we make it a little different than the year before. My dad always makes smoked chicken chili and everyone else brings a side dish to the event. We do a ball drop like the one in New York City does for their New Year's celebration. For more information about the Glendower Road New Year's Celebration, you can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GlendowerRoadNewYearsCele...