Sad Christmas

Christmas is a happy season, this thought changed for me when my family and I moved to the US to start a new life. I thought this country would be a new opportunity to reunite with my family because in Colombia we were separated; my father lived in another city for many years. In the last year I moved with my father to start the university and wait for the visa. Finally, we got a visa for the whole family and this was the first step to live together again. Although I had to experience my first holidays without friends, I expected to have a fun Christmas and start with a positive new year. My expectations like a happy family were about to collapse and the sadness was inevitable.

Christmas came, but it was not what I expected. My brother and I were ready to start our first holiday. In Colombia Christmas begins since December 7. Every year, my family's mom had met in a house to celebrates the date when the Maria (Jesus' mother) became pregnant while still being a virgin. We, the Colombian people, light candles and watch fireworks with the whole family. Though we knew that the American people do not celebrate in this way, we expected that my parents would not forget our traditions and continue practicing each one of them. However, we encountered a big problem my father. Who is Chinese. Now we were living with his family while we looked for an apartment to rent. His family does not even believe in God, and never celebrate anything related to religion. That December 7 was the worst of my life, we were at home, alone, and nothing to do.

My sadness reflected in the Christmas eve desolation. My first Christmas in the US and nothing looked good. It was winter and it was snowing. The streets were covered with snow and we could not see anyone walking in them. The only thing I wanted was a warm dinner with my family. The Christmas eve was a simple day like everyday, my parents on the sofa watching TV, my brother chatting with his friends, and I could only think about my last happy moments that I spent in Colombia. I could imagine the table covered with many dishes and drinks, but that became more than just a thought because my father's family was all busy and we did not know how go to get some groceries or drinks.

I had tears in my eyes while I remember each moment I lived in colombia. The new year came with many memories. I was looking at pictures of my friends, and I could dream with my eyes open. I remember when I cooked for my family and friends, and we talked and laughed together. Also remember that in new year the Colombians go to neighbors to give them a hug and wish them a happy year. However, I could not do it anymore in this country because people would be offended. Now, I was in my room and I cried. I was sure that I would never be happy here and always be alone, but suddenly someone opened the door. It was my cousin, Eddie. He took my family

and me go to a restaurant to celebrate the new year. We ate seafood, vegetables, delicious dishes and fruits. Also we sang a few songs to wait for a year with many good things. Things had changed positively that day, but it was just the beginning of a better life.

Traditions change in each country, and it is difficult to adapt to many of them, but the new things, bad or good, open new opportunities. Now, many things are not easy for me; however, I can enjoy some new holidays and special occasions with new friends. I expected to learn about my experiences in this country. Although my christmas and holidays would not be the same as in colombia, I am glad to live in a new country. This country is the door to a multicultural world, where we can all unite our different traditions in one place.