Gifts are great, but memories last forever

Merry Christmas

As Christmas approaches, three priests from the archdiocese share their favorite memories. Here is a story from Fr. Cristobal De Loera. 


It was Christmas morning, in 1995 in my hometown – San Isidro, in Calvillo Aguascalientes, Mexico – and the anticipation had been building since the crack of dawn.

I crept into the living room with my family, the trees twinkling lights casting a magical glow on the pile of gifts beneath it. The air was thick with excitement and the scent of freshly homemade tortillas and hot chocolate wafted from the kitchen.

As we settled in, the countdown began and with a joyful shout, we dove into the presents. I reached for a box with my name on it, the paper rustling as I tore it open. Inside, nestled in tissue, was a beautiful jacket, just like the one that I had asked for in my letter to El Niño Dios – The Child God.

I felt a rush of delight, because it was exactly what I had asked for!

My siblings went wild around me. Laughter erupted over a Barbie doll for my little sister. And my brother geeked out over a new shirt. Mom and dad exchanged a warm smile, happy to see us all grinning from ear to ear.

As the wrapping paper flew and gifts were marveled at, the room turned into a happy chaos. 

We ooh-ed over a beautiful golden bracelet for Mom. Dad got a clever gadget for his workshop. Each gift sparked a story or a joke, drawing us closer.

But the best part wasn’t just the gifts. It was the “us.” Huddled together, sharing the joys of Christmas and pausing to appreciate the little things.

After the frenzy, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast with the homemade flour tortillas and hot cocoa, playing games and singing carols off-key.

In that messy, joyful flurry, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Christmas isn’t just about presents, it’s about the laughter, the love and the memories we weave together.

As the night wound down and the tree’s lights dimmed softly, I leaned over to my family and whispered, “Best Christmas ever.”


See related stories:
¡Viva la Iglesia Catolica!
By Fr. William Banowsky

Finding blessings in a blizzard 
By Fr. Stephen Jones