CHRISTMAS has many different meanings to different people, for different reasons. For me, Christmas has always been about family, it’s the time when everyone takes time off from their busy schedules to meet up and have a good time. This year, however, my family is short one person. My dad passed away a few months ago and this Christmas would be the first without him.
The entire season, and particularly on Christmas day itself, would be extremely difficult for me, my brother and especially my mom.
For as long as I could remember, Christmas has always been the same in my home. From ever since we were small, my parents would tell my brother and I that it is a time for family; so on that day we would make certain not to make any other plans but to stay at home with the family.
On Christmas day, we would usually spend almost all day in the kitchen. Well actually, when I say “we”, I mean my mom, dad and I. My big brother is not a big fan of cooking, but he always makes a grand appearance sometime around lunch time.
My dad loved to cook and in fact, he was the cook in the family. The most fun part of Christmas day was the time I spent cooking with the family. We would cook up a storm, and talk, joke and just enjoy each other’s company.
I remember very fondly when I would try to make something new and they all would laugh at me when I didn’t get things right. I remember how my dad would boast about his cooking; because he really thought his food was the best. And indeed, I don’t think anyone could make a curried chicken quite like he did.
After the Christmas meal would have been prepared, we would all have lunch and watch Christmas movies together.
Yes, Christmas in my household was not about much festivities, but it was still the best. All year long everyone is busy with work and school and their own lives. Not often do we take the time out to spend quality time with each other.
Sometimes we take the little things for granted. We get caught up with superficial things and with whatever we have going on in our own lives, not realizing that it is really the little things that matter.
I treasure those memories more than anything, especially now that I know Christmas would never be the same. And my dad will be forever missed.