White Christmas

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

With every Christmas card I write

May your days be merry and bright

And may all your Christmases be white

(Frank Sinatra, White Christmas)

I had the opportunity to spend last Christmas in Connecticut with my fiancé's family. It's the first time I have visited the United States and the experience has been amazing. I was very excited prior to our departure and the trip has fulfilled my expectations. I enjoyed every moment and every second by spending time with his family and experiencing the American culture.

For some people, Christmas is the best time of the year, it gives them the opportunity to connect with their loved ones, to pause and reflect on the important things around them. Others find Christmas too commercial, stressful and emotionally challenging. And the thing is that not everyone has the Christmas spirit. But, in my case, I do like Christmas and what it involves: traveling home, sending postcards, buying and exchanging gifts, decorating the house and sharing meals with family and friends.

One of the things that I really like about my time in Connecticut was the Christmas spirit of my fiancé's family. The mom, who loves Christmas, made some Christmas games such as puzzles, scattergories, couples questions and gifts exchange.

We had a lot of fun and it was a good way to make the family stay together and reconnect. It's clearly something I will do in my next Christmas holiday because, who doesn't like playing games? The weather didn't accompany us as it was quite cold but we had a white Christmas the 25th and his family was very happy. So was I. We ate ham with stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin and cherry pie, and apple cheese cake. It was a lovely holiday, full of Christmas lights, and my fiancé's family made me feel at home.

Do you like Christmas? Have you experienced different Christmas traditions?