Christmas is the best time of the year. The music, the decorations, the gifts, the food, and family are all the reasons why Christmas brings happiness and worship to my family and me. All families have traditions that they share and enjoy every year, but my familys traditions have to be some of the best, and Im so blessed to be a part of them. The holidays bring the whole family together and always have.

Watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, decorating the tree with all of our Disney character ornaments, holding our breath and ripping open presents, spending time with the family, and watching snow fall is what makes the holiday so important to us. Earlier this year we lost a special person who made Christmastime even better to our family, my Grandpa. He had been very sick, and also had been battling cancer for a while. Unfortunately, he lost his battle and passed away on June 29, 2010.

Grandpa and Grandma always gave us the best gifts and the best love any grandchild could ask for. Having the huge family that I have, they always managed to give presents to each one of us no matter what. They always provided a roof over our heads and food in our bellies every Christmas. Although Grandpa and his quirky smile and warming heart is not here with us this year, we still have my Grandma whom we call our little miracle after conquering her battle with pneumonia and leukemia.

Christmas this year is going to be different without him, but I know he will be with us decorating and opening presents. We are so excited about Christmas and what it always brings us every year. Christmas will always and forever be my all-time favorite holiday.

Cassidy Campbell is a student in Alan Peoples freshman language arts class at Polk County High School.