As we catching up with my aunts and cousins is one of the best parts of Thanksgiving. We share stories, updates, and sometimes even old family anecdotes that make us laugh. The presence of my older cousins adds to the fun, as we reminisce about past holidays and create new memories. We don't really take photos during thanksgiving because we really like to enjoy the moment and taking a photo passes our mind.

These holidays, whether it's Christmas or Thanksgiving, are more than just celebrations; they are opportunities for our family to come together, strengthen our bonds, and create lasting memories. The love and togetherness we experience during these times remind us of the importance of family and the joy of being with loved ones. Even when not everyone can make it, the presence of those who do is enough to make the holidays special and meaningful. Thanksgiving is the best holiday to be able to bring my family together.

Seeing my aunts and uncles, especially those who live far away, is always a highlight. It's a chance to catch up, share stories, and create new memories. The separate dining arrangements, with my cousins eating together in one room and the adults in another, gives us all a chance to catch up with one another.

Playing games until midnight is another fun thing me and my cousins enjoy doing. The games are a mix of old favorites and new ones like tag and hide and seek, etc, and the competitive spirit adds to the fun. As the clock strikes midnight, we gather for hugs, a gesture that symbolizes our love and appreciation for each other. Opening gifts is the final highlight of the night. After we all unwrap our gifts and such we all take a family photo with my grandma.

My cousins and sometimes my siblings leave my aunt's house to go trick-or-treating. We start by walking down the street, far from the house. We walk all around town, and there is always this specific park where nice, big houses surround it. We walk down that small circle and always visit the coolest and most beautifully decorated house. They give away glow sticks, small candy bags, and toys. They always play music when we are there. My cousins and I usually take a photo together at my aunt's house house.

My cousins and I play games together and go to the park because there is always a haunted house there, except it’s not a real house. After that, we continued to walk farther into town. We walk around the small town for hours until our legs hurt and we can barely walk straight.

We bring garbage bags, and one of the parents guides us and holds them so we can get more candy. Once we see our buckets filling up, we pour the candy into our designated garbage bags. Hispanic moms know that if people handing out candy see you with a full bucket, they won’t give you a lot because they think, “These kids don’t need more than what they have.” So, they typically only give out 1 to 2 pieces of candy, maybe even 4, depending on how old you are and how good your costume is.

Sometimes we grab handfuls of candy. It really depends on how much is left in the bucket when there is just a bucket outside. I always tell my cousins not to take too much because other people need to grab candy as well. After hours of walking around, we slowly make our way back to our aunt’s house and finish off collecting from the houses nearby.