I wake up to the bustling noise of our house.
Startled, I quickly adjust myself in the hammock and reach for my phone.
Once I feel it in my grasp, I hurriedly check the time.
To my surprise, it’s already 12:30 AM.
Christmas Eve has arrived without me realizing it.
My eyes scan the room, landing on my niece who is engrossed in her phone.
She notices me sitting up and immediately gets to her feet.
“Let’s eat, Ate! I’ve been waiting for you to wake up!” she says with a playful laugh.
I smile faintly, still trying to shake off the drowsiness, and begin to make my way out of the room.
Peeking through the curtain, I am greeted by the warm smiles of my cousins, their laughter filling the air.
The sight instantly lifts my spirits.
As I step out, my mama notices me and calls out, “Come on, hurry up! Let’s eat!” I nod and head to the dining area, where the heart of the celebration awaits.
The room is lively—voices overlap as stories are shared, and laughter erupts at every joke.
Amid the cheerful chaos, I spot my older brother in the kitchen, still busy preparing food.
A pang of guilt tugs at me; I haven’t been much help earlier.
My aching tooth had forced me to retreat to the room for a nap.
Pushing the guilt aside for the moment, I grab a plate and join the rest of the family.
The dining table is a feast of holiday delights—spaghetti, fruit salad, and other family favorites that make our Christmas Eve extra special.
Every bite carries a mix of flavors and memories, a testament to the effort and love poured into the preparation.
Conversations flow effortlessly, ranging from reminiscing about past Christmases to sharing hopes for the coming year.
My younger cousins play around, their energy lighting up the room, while the elders exchange hearty laughs over stories of their youth.
It’s the kind of warmth that reminds me why I cherish moments like this.
I can’t help but steal glances at my mother, whose smile radiates joy and contentment.
This is her favorite time of the year, a moment when the family comes together despite life’s challenges.
My heart swells with gratitude—I am lucky to be surrounded by this kind of love and support.
As the night deepens, I find myself silently hoping that everyone around the world is feeling even a fraction of the happiness I feel at this moment.
Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope you’re all safe and happy tonight.
YOU ARE READING
POV
NonfiksiLife often presents itself as a series of hurdles, each one taller than the last. These hurdles, though daunting, are not meant to break us but to shape us into who we are meant to be. It is through our darkest nights that we gain the strength to fa...
