Snow drifts down slowly, covering the frozen earth like with a soft, sparkling blanket. Papaw’s German shepherd wiggles on his back in an effort to burrow beneath the crystal white blanket. Bright red and white lights blink merrily from the eaves of the house, welcoming everyone up the tree-shrouded driveway. Peace settles upon the landscape. It is the one time of the year when laughter, smells of down-home cooking, and my family gather at my grandparents’ house: it’s Christmas.
I step into the living room and the kitchen and laughter assaults my ears. It is an unmistakable sound of pure joy. Although she scolds him and chases him from her kitchen, Mamaw laughs as my papaw manages to snatch a bite of ham before dinner. She makes a funny sight, waving her wooden serving spoon in the air. Gut-busting jokes and hilarious short stories are swapped back and forth endlessly. Laughter fills the three-bedroom house with keeping the chill air at bay outside.
The second best thing about Christmas is the wonderful aromas of a home-made feast. Wafting through the irrepressible din of laughter, smells of ham and sweet potatoes float in the air. All of the delicious aromas originate from the heart of the household: my mamaw’s kitchen. Everyone has a favorite dish. My dad loves sweet potatoes; my brother and little cousin have soft spot for sweet desserts. My papaw is not picky as long as there is plenty of it. Everyone eats with a hurried anticipation because presents come next.
Last but not least, the best thing about Christmas is that my family gathers in one place. We have a break from school and the adults finally have a day off work. When we migrate to the living room for gifts, there are not enough seats for everyone. My papaw dives beneath the rotating tree every year to pass out shiny gifts. A huge pile accumulates in front of each individual. The one present that matters most is that we are all together to witness one another’s smiles.
In conclusion, Christmas is the one day of the year when the world seems perfect. Problems fade away with the wind. Laughter erases all worries foremost in our minds. A home-made feast brings the family together at the same table. How could Christmas possibly be any better?
