Riley Eggink

When the door opens, the smell of freshly baked cookies rushes out, wrapping me in a warm embrace. In the living room, the tree is overflowing with presents, and the TV is already set to the Muppets Christmas Carol. Soon, the sweet sense of pancakes and bacon sweeps into the living room, and we rush into the kitchen to ask if it's ready yet. While we eat breakfast, we sit and listen to stories about where my Oma and Opa have been around the world and their favorite memories.

Later that day, after all the toys have been taken out of their boxes and the wrapping paper is scattered across the carpet, the smell of spaghetti and meatballs fills the air mixed with a hint of apple pie. Once dinner's finished, we scatter back to our toys, playing until it's finally time to leave. We slip on our boots, throw on our jacket, and share one last hug before stepping into the chilly breeze and the snow covered driveway.