Being surrounded by a large loving family.

We didn't have much when I was a child, but we did have family. Christmas eve brought us all together at Aunt Joyce's and Uncle Charlie's. Without fail, we had ham sandwiches and each of us four kids got to open just one present. It was always new christmas pajamas. Though it was tradition, we never caught on and were thrilled just the same every year.

Christmas morning was nothing short of magical. Not so much so for our parents who we woke sooo very early. Then we kids had to sit at the top of the stairs while Mom and Dad plugged in all the lights and made sure the camera was ready. I think that's when they taught us patience.

Coming down the stairs and seeing the lights, a few of our relatives, and the gifts was so exciting I thought i"d burst. All four of us tearing into the presents that Santa left, wrapping paper and ribbons everywhere. The train around the tree never failed to jump the track or short out due to wayward icicles on the tracks.

After we all put on our best Sunday clothes and attending church, we would head to Grandma and Pap's for a wonderful turkey dinner with all the trimmings. We were only permitted to take two toys each, but that was plenty by the time we had to show Grandparents, Aunt and Uncles, Great Aunt and Uncles and Great Grandparents. those were amazing times.

Our family is now down to nine. The great grandparents and grandparents have gone and we lost our great Uncle Bill, our Aunt Dorothy, and Uncle Charlie. As I look around the Christmas table this year, I remember the faces of Christmases past and know they will always be close in heart.

Roxanne Montgomery