Christmas Through My Eyes -- Dec. 21st

December 21st -- Family time

I'm pretty sure I've mentioned this, but my family is extremely tight knit. By family I mean my immediate family, extended family, and my boyfriend's family. I am incredibly blessed to not only have a huge family, but one that is so close, loving, and supportive. I thank God every single day for all of my family, and they will always be one of the most important things in my life.

Let's start with my immediate family. If you've been following along you know my family consists of my parents, sister, brother-in-law, brother, three loving dogs, and myself. My family is sometimes messy, loud, and sarcastic sometimes but we are also always supportive, filled with humor, passionate, and caring toward one another. I would not trade them for anything in the world. Some of my favorite moments with my family are our Christmas traditions -- whether it's decorating the tree together, watching Christmas movies at least once every day of December together, having our big Christmas breakfast all together before we open presents -- my family time is my favorite time because no matter how old we all get that will never change.

Onto my extended family. Every year on Christmas day my entire mom's side of the family -- it's about 40 of us spread through 4 different generations -- get together and celebrate. One thing you will never forget if you've been to one of my family parties is that we are amazing in the kitchen, especially when it comes to dessert! Sure, the appetizers and sangria are a pretty close second but dessert is something my family really has a gift for. Whether it's dad's cheesecake, Aunt Sandra's chocolate chip triangles, Aunt Lucille's krischickies or my grandma's apple pie -- everything is a special family recipe and everything is to die for. 

Finishing up with my boyfriend's family. Antonio's family has always made me feel like a part of their family since early on in our friendship before we started dating years ago. They have truly become family, and are some of the kindest and most generous people I know. I love getting together with them around Christmas because it is always so much fun and filled with coffee, coquito, and amazing Puerto Rican food made by his mom -- seriously she is the best when it comes to seasoning literally anything. 

No matter what branch of my family I am with at any given time I am always so filled with genuine happiness and love. I am very fortunate to have such a wonderful family that is always so welcoming and accepting of everyone. I know this is something not a lot of people have which makes me cherish it all the more. I love every single part of my family, and spending time with them around Christmas is all the more special.