Unbreakable Traditions

My feet slide towards the smell of the soft, juicy turkey being pulled fresh from the oven, the small boiled potatoes smothered in a buttery and salty goodness, the stuffing that is layered on top with a golden crust. My family and I bring out our plates of Christmas goodness to the sleek, black dining table that is only touched twice a year: for Christmas and New Year's Day. We all sit in the same places we have sat for my whole life. With Yasmin across from me still in her pajamas with my Dad to her right, continuously going through is new presents. Lastly, my mom sat to my left as relief gradually fills her face as she knows she is done with the most stress of the day. My mom gradually lifts two Christmas crackers to each member of our family. Once the popping sounds of all the crackers have faded, each of us slide on the colorful paper crowns from inside the crackers onto our heads. I struggle to keep one on my head as I keep accidentally ripping the crown. My family and I all look at one another and start bursting out with laughter. Each year we attempt to put on the silly hats, attempt to finally get the whoopie cushion cracker(which has never succeeded), and starve to devour ourselves into our family dish. Usually, on a regular day we don’t even eat as a family. Besides holidays, we don’t even eat at a dinner table. I can’t remember the last time we could just sit all together and laugh about all the little things. There is always stress of work that blocks off my family from the joy we can spread. Or continuous arguments that are out of reach for me to grab hold of. Sometimes we are just so separated.

As our laughing voices flicker the candles with joy. I remember that I miss being able to easily sit with my family. Experiencing a whole load of love and tradition. A time where there is no arguing and fighting. Where nothing else is important besides the love knot that is binding my family together on that day.  But, all I can do is hope to spread my compassion and love towards my family more.

Ever since young, all I could focus on was focusing on the love of my family and being the peacemaker. Growing up in my family style has taught me a lot of the importance that comes to wanting to be united and fulfilled. It takes a lot of compromising and understanding each other. Sadly though, it can be a one person job. All the emotions that are being jumbled at you can be stressful, but it takes patience. As long as I can find a peaceful end, the process doesn't matter.

By the time it was late at night, and everyone was cleaning up and heading up to bed, I sat at the edge of my bed and looked up towards the curtains shielding my window. What I did was something I never do. It was the most I could do for the love of family. I prayed.