It was a frigid late afternoon on Christmas Eve. The wind was whipping and enormous snowflakes were falling from the sky. Huge snowmen stood at the end of each driveway and the beautiful white snow sparkled in the sky. Ice was frozen on the long black driveways with fluffy white snow patches. Snow angels lay in the crystal white grass with bright red Christmas lights dangling from the pine trees.Christmas was finally here and my whole family gathered at my .grandparents house. Their 15 foot pine green Christmas tree with bright white lights glimmered in the distance with many ornaments in all different shapes, sizes, and colors.
As we walked into my grandma and grandpa's kitchen, it smelled of fresh baked italian cookies and Christmas candles burning throughout the house. The crackling sound of the candles and my loud cousins running around the house brought me even more into the Christmas spirit. We were attacked with hugs as we first arrived because we haven’t seen each other in months. Finally we were able to assemble our own candy houses and decorate Christmas cookies.
As all the kids bolted outside to go sledding in the towering mounds of snow, my Aunt Emmy and I left to go last minute grocery shopping and a promise to Starbucks. We rushed out of the house and ran into the grocery store hoping to get in and out quickly. All we saw were the empty shelves and mile long lines. We scurried to the aisle and got our last minute essentials for dinner. At last, Aunt Emmy and I went to Starbucks for the holiday warm coffee drinks before heading home. As we swung open the wooden doors, the strong smell of coffee and peppermint filled our noses with soothing breathes, and the warm heat relaxed our body! As I took a sip of my peppermint macchiato the heat burnt my lip but the wonderful taste brought me joy!
The whole family gathered in the dining room on a 14 foot long dinner table that was filled with Christmas centerpieces, homemade pasta, lasagna, chicken and much more. We all had a lovely dinner and we were all thrilled to be together on such a special and joyous day! After a big meal we all sat around the Christmas tree and began tearing into our beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts. I was really anxious and felt butterflies in my stomach as I began opening my first gift because I have been waiting all day for this moment! Finally it was time to have deserts. The cookies were devoured by all of the six cousins and a traditional Christmas movie was turned on! Today was such a fabulous day full of love, excitement and fun! I will never forget this magnificent Christmas Eve. As we said our goodbyes and walked out the door we slid across the driveway on the ice and stared at all the houses on the street lit up. Tomorrow is going to be even a better day!