Avery Blaycock

Avery Blaycock is one of the winners of the Christmas Snippet Competition!

Below is Avery’s snippet that won the Christmas Snippet Competition for the Christmas tradition snippet that made me cry.

Dear Diary

Avery situated herself on her bed, diary and pen in hand. It was time to journal before going to bed. A tiny smile overcame Avery’s lips as she opened the book to a fresh page. After staring at it for a moment, she began to write. 

“Dear Diary, 

Christmas is just around the corner, and it’s hard to believe how different things will be this year. As we do every year, my family is going to Nana’s house for Christmas dinner and presents. It’s the time of the year where everyone on my mother’s side of the family gets together to see what ‘Nana-Claus’ got for us. 

As tradition, Nana will have our sacks of presents, which we’ll take turns opening. Last year, I got the journal and bracelet kit I wanted! My brothers got those cool spy glasses. Heather got that fishing log and a jacket with the fluffy interior. Then the youngest two got those cute stuffed animals. I’ve always enjoyed this tradition where Nana puts all of the presents into one sack for that one person. I’m really excited for the wonderful food, presents, and reactions. But I’m not exactly ready for the change Christmas has for us this year.”

Avery’s eyes watered.

“There are two new changes to Christmas this year. I guess I’ll tell you about the happier one first- or it’s supposed to be happy anyways. You know my uncle’s girlfriend Melinda and her son Peter? They had Christmas with us for the past two years. Last year, I remember very vividly that my brother John was teasing me and Peter about liking each other. I don’t like Peter of course, but we can’t deny the fact that he has flirted with me in the past. Well, Melinda and Peter are now a part of the family. I found out that Uncle Josiah proposed to Melinda. I’m nervous for this change, but I’m also happy for Uncle Josiah. I know they are very excited, and it is a change that I am going to work hard to accept. I guess this leads me to the second change, the change I am not quite willing to accept.”

A tear leaked down Avery’s cheek.

“Papaw Dan will not be with us this year. Earlier this year, he went to be with the Lord. I just now realized that he will not be with us for Christmas. Sure, I was never close with him. Sure, I only spoke with him when he spoke to me. That’s how I am with all of my grandfathers. But… if I had known this time last year that Papaw Dan would not be with us this year for Christmas, I would have made his last Christmas more special. It makes me wish that I had actually given him something more special than my presence. It makes me wish that I had given him a thoughtful gift, you know? I just wish he was with us for Christmas, at least one more time so I can express just how grateful I am for him to be in my life.”

Tears were streaming down Avery’s face as she recalled last year’s Christmas. 

“ If only he would be sitting in his chair, watching the joy going on around him, experiencing the joy of Christmas and family himself. If only I could travel back in time and make his last Christmas more special. 

But I guess I need to accept the fact that Christmas with Papaw Dan will never happen again. I need to accept what has changed, and cherish the traditions that still stand. I’ve learned that we never know when our loved ones will leave us and that we need to treasure the moments we have together. Our family has changed, there’s no denying that. But during these times, both the good and the bad, I thank God for the blessings he has given me. Our traditions may change, but the purpose of Christmas has not. I look forward to the joy that comes with celebrating the birth of Jesus, even though changes have been made. Merry Christmas, Diary.”

Wiping her eyes, Avery closed the diary, and turned out the light.