My Christmas vacation was pretty much okay, but I had to do a little too much babysitting before our Russian Orthodox Slavic and New Years. Before Slavic I mostly attended our local ball games, dances and fundraisers. I also hung out with my friends at Duny's and played Mario Kart on their Nintendo 64. But it did not feel like Christmas with my brother not here and things being the way they were.

The day before Slavic we did inventory at Hunter Sales and Rooming. There were about eight of us working and we finished within three or four hours. I was also supposed to do inventory at the Co-op store, but I got sick and had to stay home.

On January 7, our Russian Orthodox Christmas started and I could tell everyone was excited. So was I. I thought it was pretty good because it was a time when everyone got together and shared happy moments and laughter. To me this whole thing really brought everyone together, including the young and old, and family and friends. I'm really glad we still celebrate this wonderful tradition.

During Slavic some people feed the main meal and some pass out gifts and candy. This year my gram provided the meal for the big star, and we had a million jobs to do for it. Kids were running around, babies were crying, people were talking and laughing, and everyone was happy. I was happy too after the star left, not only because it was quiet but because we'd had the chance to come together in "one peace." Then I went on to follow the star until we'd gone to almost all the houses in Marshall. That was my favorite part of Christmas.

Tassie Fitka