by Luann Dawkins

Created on: September 10, 2008

Over the years I have asked countless people to recall their favorite Christmas and they inevitably call out the gifts they received. Mine is much different, in that I can't even remember the first gift that was given that night. I only know there was such a feeling of love and contented joy that it will forever be in my heart.

I was five years old and my parents had invited my favorite Aunt to stay during the holiday. Aunt Addie Mae was the kind of Aunt all kids adore and most parents dread. She was in the middle of everything, as the ring leader of whatever shenanigans we could invent. Addie made massive forts with furniture, sheets, pots and pans, and whatever else struck her fancy. She was a world traveler, and had knowledge of distant lands and adventures, I could only imagine. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when she came for, what I consider, the best Holiday.

My Granny, was an angelic woman, kind hearted, softly spoken and the most giving soul I have ever met. Always ready with hugs, kisses and chicken with dumplings that would melt in your mouth. She could cook, sew or grow anything, she just had that touch where ordinary objects are turned to gold with her loving hand. My Granny lived with us and my cousin Scott, four months my senior and my buddy, lived with her. Because of the guest list, I thought to myself, "this is going to be the greatest Christmas of all time."

Scott and I were in the kitchen, "helping," and were kindly asked to stir whatever tasty concoction Mama was inventing. Granny and Aunt Addie were preparing the table and cooking up there own contributions to dinner, while Daddy put the finishing touches on the decorations. The carols played as we sang and worked happily. The smells emanating from the kitchen were so soothing and comforting, and you couldn't resist smiling, as well as stealing a lick or two.

As we prepared our meal, the temperature began to drop outside. I had prayed for snow the night before so I closed my eyes tight and said another silent prayer, I hadn't, in my long five years of life, ever seen snow in person. As it grew darker and nary a snowflake fallen, I was afraid that prayer would go unanswered. Undaunted, we went about the business of stuffing ourselves with the amazing delectable's the women in my circle had created. We had opened presents and cleaned up the wrapping paper before we ate, so we decided to sit a while to let our dinner settle.

My Daddy put on my Mama's favorite Christmas carols, as we made a

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