This is it! We’re all thinking it! It is the last week of this semester and soon to be, stressful final exams. When next week is over I am done my first year, which seems sort of surreal but exciting nonetheless. I have enjoyed all of my classes, but it’s the teachers and fellow classmates who made the experience that much more enjoyable. As a teenager, I did not enjoy high school; I graduated with decent marks but knew college was something I was not too interested in. It was 6 years after I graduated from high school before I decided getting a post-secondary education was the best way to gain employment in my field of choice. I made the move, and, so far, the rewards and knowledge I have gained have been worth it… very worth it.
So, here we are; some people are graduating, and others have survived their first semester; but the majority of us are just anxious for the holiday break to begin. I am going home, to Saskatchewan, as soon as my last final exam is over. I cannot wait to see my parents and siblings. I am looking forward to sleeping in, hanging out with friends I haven’t seen since the summer and taking full advantage of my free babysitter (my mom).
My family celebrates Christmas and, like most people who celebrate this holiday, we exchange gifts. Now, my family is a bit bigger so we have been drawing names for the past few years, which is nice since it cuts down on some of the financial pressure of buying everyone a gift. Last year, my dad drew my name. I told my dad, when I found out that he was buying a gift for me, to just get me a gift card. I know this is something we’re not supposed to do, but if you knew my dad, you would have done the same thing. A few years ago, Canadian Tire was having a huge pre-boxing day sale right before Christmas, and, well, my dad decided that we were all going to get gifts from there. I ended up with a car buffer/polisher and tool set. Needless to say, I never used my gifts, mostly because I have no idea how too. The rest of my family got similar items from him, which got no use either. Another memorable Christmas was, actually, quite a few years ago, again involving my dad. This particular year, he decided that our family was not going celebrate Christmas in the commercialized way, meaning no gifts and decorations. I don’t remember caring too much about this decision, but my mom didn’t like that she couldn’t decorate a tree; so the night before Christmas she strung colorful lights on her umbrella tree plant.
The things I appreciate most about any holiday, but especially Christmas, is the time spent with my family. Through the years and through hard and stressful times, they have been there to support and help me. I can honestly say, without them I would not be where I am today; I have been blessed with loving parents. So this year, like every other, I am excited to get home and see my loved ones.
Have a good Christmas everyone!
