I've spent maybe 2 Christmas-times away from family because of work. This is the first Christmas I chose to stay away and be in NYC with Elisa. It wasn't an easy decision but I thought it was time to make our own traditions and be on our own. Luckily, Elisa thought the same thing. We ended up doing very different things from what our family does (but incorporated some of what they do). My mom makes tamales every Christmas Eve and as a family, we open our presents late on Christmas Eve. It was a big family event.
This year, Elisa and I did some last minute shopping on Christmas Eve day. As a surprise, she bought some tamales from a Mexican shop up in Spanish Harlem. We ate tamales and then ended up going to church at 11pm. It was a beautiful service. We opened up one gift and then headed to our local pub, Ryan's Daughter.
Christmas day was spent opening gifts and reminiscing about Christmas' past. Dinner was pre-cooked and Elisa warmed it up. It was nice; different but nice. I have to say it was a Christmas I will not soon forget.
I can't wait to make more memories and traditions with Elisa.
-Carlos
