Christmas. As much as I should be studying for finals right now, all I can think about is Christmas. Relating this to out Intro to US cultural studies class, I figured I would share with you all some of my families traditions around the Holidays.

On Christmas Eve, we have a full house of people over for dinner, dessert, presents and a show. My mother's best friend from college and her Jewish husband, my father's Marine friends and their wives, and my aunt and uncle never fail to show up. And then we have the handful of friends who had no place to go that night and it is always fun to see who shows up.

My sister and I always put on a little show, I usually sing something and my sister dances. Then we eat my mother's lasagna and an ridiculously fancy salad. And after dinner we open presents. My sister and I always receive a new pair of pajamas from our mom and there is always an exchange of dog toys for each others fury faced family.

Lastly we eat dessert, pumpkin pie, peanut butter balls, toll-house pie, gumdrop cookies and as per tradition, we read the book Santa Mouse. Then we put out milk and cookies for Santa, carrots for the reindeer, and a piece of cheese for Santa Mouse. 

The rest of the night is spent out by the fire pit, laughing and sharing stories. It is my absolute favorite night of the year.