Christmastime is very important to my family.

 

The season begins right after Thanksgiving when my family including my mother, Lori Eggleston, father, Christian Eggleston, and siblings, Elise Eggleston age 20, Sadie Eggleston age 17, and Liam Eggleston age 10 take a trip to Hershey Park’s Candy Lane to enjoy their Christmas lights display together and the amusement rides they have open.

 

In late November and early December, our family works together to decorate our home for the holiday season. This includes putting up our Christmas tree and decorating the exterior of the house with Christmas lights. Almost every room in our home has at least one or two special decorations.

 

Baking is another fun tradition our family has. Every year we make peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, gingerbread cookies, butterkisses, and cut-out cookies. We also decorate gingerbread houses. Some of our baking is from scratch and family recipes. Some of it is from sort-bought mixes.

 

“Baking is probably my favorite part of the holiday season,” Elise Eggleston said. 

 

Every year we like to welcome our extended family and friends into our home to celebrate the holidays. Last year, we were unable to visit any of our extended family member’s because of pandemic restrictions. This year our family is very grateful to have each member of our immediate and extended family fully vaccinated so that we are once again able to have large numbers of family into our home for good food, games, conversation, and fun.

 

My sisters, brother, and I enjoy practicing and learning music. My twin sister, Elise, and I like to sing and play piano. I also play guitar and she also plays trumpet. My younger sister, Sadie, plays the flute along with Elise and I. Liam is learning to play the trumpet and he likes to sing. Each year we like to perform carols for our parents and grandparents on Christmas Eve.

Sadie shares her experiences of learning to play the flute.

 

 

FML is a convenient place to study with many resources.

During the pandemic, I learned to use creative outlets such as writing, drawing, and playing guitar to practice mindfulness to improve my mental health during the pandemic.