“Childhood Christmas” by Ciara Bice ’25
Waking up on December 1 to find the Elf on the Shelf and open the Advent Calendar there is a sense of joy that fills the soul. Decorating the tree, putting up the Nativity and setting up the Advent Wreath. Taking the train into Manhattan to see the tree and decorations. Attending different shows like the Christmas Spectacular and the ballet. Driving through the Jones Beach light show and staring in awe and all the colors and designs. Wrapping gifts for all my family and friends was like a craft. Laying out cookies and carrots for Santa was such a fun activity. Trying to stay up tracking Santa and see when he would be arriving. Then waking up to the smell of waffles and Christmas carols blasting. The Disney parade being played on the television. Me and my four siblings wait on the stairs to take the picture then run down to rip open the presents and see the stockings. We were all so jovial and grateful. Then somewhere along the way the magic seemed to disappear and the happiness seemed like a chore. As we grew older the once very happy season turned into a gloomy time. As I am now a senior I realize that my childhood is slipping away and I will forever cherish the memories of the magical season of Christmas.