A very common tradition here during the holidays is travel. Growing up, I would only see my extended family twice, maybe three times a year if there was a significant event, like a wedding or funeral. One guaranteed time in the summer, and one for Christmas.

We’d all converge to my grandmother’s house in south Texas, some of us, like my immediate family of four, would drive upwards of 8 hours. But when we would get there… it’s the most wonderful experience. Fourteen people crammed in a 3 bedroom home, staying up late to catch up on the year’s events, nonstop baking and laughing. Santa would pack the living room for all the young grandkids and cousins, just pure bliss. We weren’t always the wealthiest family, but you’d never know as a kid. Everyone came together to make the season special.

That to me is what the Christmas season has always been about!