Special by Seguin City Council Member Monica Carter
The Christmas Holidays have always been a special time of the year for me and my family. As a young child, my parents ensured that we understood that the true meaning of Christmas was to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, and my husband and I have worked hard to ensure that our children keep that at the forefront of our reasons for enjoying this time of the year.
Some of my favorite childhood memories would be eagerly awaiting running into our living room to see all the beautiful gifts that were left around the tree and fireplace at my childhood home. There would be so much joy and excitement as we ripped through the gifts that we were so fortunate to receive. We would follow up our early morning celebration by gathering with my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, which I easily recall as some of the happiest times of my life. My grandmother, my mom, and my aunts would create the greatest feast, and we would spend the entire day enjoying each other’s company. Now that I am an adult, and have unfortunately lost my mother, grandparents, 1 aunt, and 1 uncle those early traditions forced me to create what I call a “new normal”.
Christmas as an adult, is different than what Christmas was for me as a young kid. I often reflect back on how much things have changed, but have yet remained the same. I am now a wife, a mother of 5 beautiful daughters (Camry, Lorena, Jaslyn, Klara & Katie), and a Nani to my amazing granddaughter Aubree. We have been fortunate to create our own traditions, which are extremely special to me. One of the things that I enjoy most is spending quality time with my family. Now that our children are older, and are finding their way in this bold world, one thing that hasn’t changed is their desire to be home as a family for all holiday’s, especially Christmas. I love how all of my girls want to wear matching pajamas, and watch Christmas movies together. It’s the simple things that mean the most to me. It’s easy to get excited about the gifts, but the thing that I am most grateful for is my family… that is my gift! We are blessed to still have my father Donnie and my mother-in-law Shirley who are still here with us, so we ensure that they are a part of our Christmas tradition of being together. I also have my siblings (Derek/Veronica) along with their spouses (Candi & Matt), and my nephews & niece (Lawrence, Bryce, Ty, and Quisha) who join in on the festivities. I also have my aunt/2nd mom Bernice & Frank, along w/ my cousins who I truly consider to be my siblings in Houston who I am extremely blessed and grateful to have as a part of my life. Although we don’t get to spend Christmas eve/day together anymore, we make it a point to carve out some time during the month of December to be together. This is the part of my life that allows me to reminisce back to those early years of my life, that set such a true foundation and meaning of family.
My life is so busy throughout the year, but I try extra hard to show my family and closest friends how extra important they are to me, especially around Christmas. I love how easy life seems this time of the year. I love how people seem to love each other better this time of the year. I love how people find kindness in their hearts to put the needs of others before themselves. I just love Christmas!!!
More special columns from Seguin community leaders are available in this month’s issue of Seguin Today.