As December approaches, there’s a familiar warmth that settles over me, a sense of comfort and excitement I associate with only one thing—seeing my family. For as long as I can remember, the end of each year has been marked by the tradition of gathering together, filling every corner of our home with laughter, stories, and memories.
December brings a rhythm all its own. With work slowing down and the holiday season in full swing, it feels like everyone around me is taking a deep breath, reflecting on the year gone by. For me, December is less about the glitz of holiday parties and more about reconnecting with family. It’s the month that reminds me of where I come from and the people who shaped me.
Our family has always been spread out. Some are in neighboring towns, while others are across the country. Busy schedules and life’s demands mean that it’s rare for us to see each other more than a couple of times a year. But December is different—it’s the one time we make a point to set everything else aside and come together, no excuses. Knowing that I’ll see everyone again, from my parents and siblings to cousins, aunts, and uncles, fills me with a mix of excitement and nostalgia.
The days leading up to our family reunion are always filled with a buzz of preparation. Calls and messages bounce around with updates on arrival times, and little reminders of who’s staying where. There’s the usual scramble to make room for everyone, rearranging furniture and stocking up on groceries to feed a small army. It’s chaotic, sure, but it’s a type of chaos I wouldn’t trade for anything.
One of my favorite parts of our family gatherings is the feeling of being surrounded by people who know me so well, yet have witnessed me grow and change over the years. I love the way each family member brings something unique to the gathering—my aunt’s endless supply of stories, my cousin’s booming laugh, my dad’s meticulous attention to preparing food just right, and my grandmother’s gentle, wise presence that grounds us all. It’s these small things, the quirks and habits of each person, that make our family who we are.
There is also games that we play annually, like board games or cards. Everyone has their game face on, yet there’s laughter, teasing, and sometimes hilarious arguments about the rules. We’ll pull out old photo albums and get lost in stories of family trips, embarrassing moments, and milestones we’ve shared. Inevitably, someone will start the “remember when…” game, and for the next hour or so, we’re all lost in a shared memory, laughing at how each person remembers it just a bit differently.
Even the meals we share have a special significance. Everyone contributes a dish, often something traditional or reminiscent of our cultural roots, and the table becomes a rich tapestry of flavors and memories. There’s something incredibly comforting about eating food prepared by the people you love, knowing it was made with care and thought. Every bite feels like a connection to our past, like we’re celebrating the history and love that binds us.
What I look forward to most, though, is the simple joy of spending unhurried time together. No one is rushing to get somewhere else or distracted by work. Phones are put aside, and everyone is just present, soaking in the moments. We’ll sit around the dinner table, telling stories, catching up on each other’s lives, and just enjoying the rare chance to be together. It’s in these quiet, heartfelt conversations that I feel the strength of our bond as a family and the grounding reminder that no matter where life takes us, we always have each other.
As December draws near, I feel that familiar sense of anticipation. I know that in just a few short weeks, I’ll be surrounded by the people who make me feel most at home. The end of the year can be stressful for many, but for me, it’s a time to recharge, to reconnect, and to remember what truly matters. Seeing my family each December has become a tradition I cherish deeply, a moment to pause and reflect, and a reminder of the love that sustains us all year long.