TEEN DIARIES: “Home For The Holidays”
by Bianka, 20 (Columbus, GA)
The importance of family has taken on a whole new meaning for me since I’ve been away at college. Growing up, I did not truly appreciate the many things that a large family could bring into my life. My grandmother had ten children, all of whom still live in our hometown of Columbus, GA, except one. As her children had children, and these children had children of their own, the size of our family grew to what at times seemed like an unbearable amount of people. Along with everyone living within the same vicinity of each other, as a teenager the excessive amounts of people parading through the hallways, the steady feet trampling into my quiet personal space, and the boastful voices echoing throughout the house often seemed more like a nuisance rather than ➫ the blessing that I now see it as. 
As I sit here gazing at the people coming in and out of my home and as I reflect on the past, I regret not embracing all there is about my family when I was growing up. Of course I always felt blessed, but during my teenage years I placed hanging out with my friends over those special moments with my family. For those of you at the age where your friends seem more cool than your crazy, loud, and embarrassing family, or if you simply find them to be a nuisance at times, remember that family is truly a blessing.
When I come home now, I try to engage in activities with everyone not simply to make up for time lost, but to show them that I truly appreciate, care, and love them. The holidays are a time to eat mounds of food, rest, visit friends, but most of all its a time to spend time with your FAMILY. No matter how busy you are this holiday season or how embarrassing your family may be, take the time to embrace them and make memories that will last a lifetime.
Tags: Christmas, Family, Holidays, Teen Diaries, Teen Reporters, Teens, Thanksgiving
