Merry Christmas! Or Mele Kalikimaka as my family likes to say.

Christmas is a time of love and laughter in my family’s home. Our Christmas is always spent in Arizona because who wouldn’t want to get out of the cold for a bit?

Throughout the years, my family has begun moving around, making it hard for us to spend time with each other throughout the year. So for us, Christmas is a time to laugh, smile and to enjoy the company of my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

I was once asked if I had any family traditions… this was a hard question to answer due to my family always changing around the holidays. One year we opened presents on Christmas Eve… all of them! 

One year we were only allowed to open one present on Christmas Eve. But most years all presents were saved for Christmas day.

And what about food…no traditions here as well. Never know if we are going to have turkey, ham, potatoes, or even steak? It seems to always be a mystery to my siblings and me when we wake up 

Christmas morning and begin thinking about food.

Even though every year may look different on Christmas for my family, one thing is consistent. We gather on Christmas to celebrate the birth of Jesus and give love to the people that mean most to us.

So whether your Christmas looks like mine or maybe the complete opposite, spend your time with the ones you love and remember what you are thankful for!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Kayla Hyun

Miss Arizona International 2017