Christmas time…oh my!

Danielle Switalski

Can you believe it’s Christmas already? As I packed my carry-on suitcase preparing for a night of flying with two layovers slowly making my way to Milwaukee. Beginning a nice three-hour drive to Spokane, excitement and anxiety took over as I tried to cram one more scarf into my already over-stuffed suitcase.

I couldn’t help but remember, as most people tend to do around this time of year, Christmas when I was younger and thought I would share a Switalski Christmas tradition from the past.

When I was little, every Christmas Eve after church my Grandma and Grandpa would take me around the city to look at Christmas lights. This was always a huge battle for them because all I could think about was eating cookies and opening presents. I never understood why I had to look at more lights after spending an entire month battling with my brother to see who could count more decorated houses on our side of the backseat of my parents’ car.

See in my family, well at least according to my parents, Santa came to my grandparents’ house while we were at church, not through the chimney while we were sleeping like most houses. I used to think it was because I was such a good kid and therefore was rewarded by getting my presents early. (yeah, right).

It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized looking at Christmas lights was a decoy, so my parents could put all of the presents under the tree without my brother and I getting in the way. My mom still puts “from Santa” on my presents.

I remember scarfing down my food faster than any one in my family eagerly waiting my favorite task of handing out presents. One eye glare from my mom and I knew not to give any hints as to what she bought everyone.

Once I was done eating, I would stare at my Uncle Mike, the world’s slowest eater. He would always get up for a second helping, testing my 5-year old patience. “Mmm, more meatballs sound good,” he would say as I would stare at him, my mouth hanging open in shock. A resounding “be patient” would come from every member of my family as my Grandpa would wink at me, giving me the secret go ahead to inch closer to the presents under the tree.

After we opened presents, the yearly wrapping paper battle ensued. I have yet to catch my Dad off guard, but every year he manages to hit me square in the face with a wrapping paper ball. It’s not Christmas without my face turning red with embarrassment.

It’s also not Christmas without my family. And I am so thankful I will be getting to spend another holiday season with everyone. I just want to wish you all a Happy Holiday and hope you are as excited to be with your family as I am. Merry Christmas!

If you would like to share Christmas stories from your past, please e-mail Danielle at Reporter@vp-mi.com.