Every Christmas Eve, my grandparents throw a Christmas party. Almost everyone comes, even out of state family, and everyone crowds inside my grandma’s house. It is usually packed, but everyone knows everyone, so it is not as uncomfortable as it sounds. My grandma and many other girls in the family spend almost all day preparing dinner, and a lot of people bring their own dish to contribute to dinner, so there is always plenty of food. We also do a Secret Santa, so everyone gets a gift for someone. We draw names at the Thanksgiving dinner out of a hat, and whoever’s name we pull is who we have to buy for. The kids and adults are separated so that kids are not buying for adults, it makes buying gifts easier and more fun too. Everyone eats, talks, listens to music, and before it gets dark everyone stays outside and talks.

This is one of my favorite activities because it is nice to see my whole family together and happy. The presents are quite nice too, I mainly like seeing my family happy. My Aunt Tracey usually sings Christmas carols, and occasionally someone will join her. I would have to say that is one of my favorite parts too. Sometimes my cousin and I will ride fourwheelers and hang out the whole day until the party, which is also fun. The best part has to be that even while leaving the party, I am happy because I can look forward to Christmas with just my parents and sister. I love Christmas Eve and Christmas because it is such a peaceful time.