Michael Rock’s Favorite Christmas Memory

My favorite Christmas memory happened when I was 11 years old. Christmas Eve was just as big as Christmas Day in my family. We'd all get together at my grandmother's house. All of my aunts, uncles and cousins on my mother's side would be there. The house was LOADED with kids and LOADED with presents...with each of my mom's five brothers showering us with gifts.

As the kids started opening their presents, it didn't take long for us to sense that this year was a little bit different. My cousin, Russell, tore open his first present: a bag of rubber bands. Julie got a box of pencils. Jill: a pair of Queen-sized pantyhose. Richie: a bag of balloons. I got a box of paper clips. Some of my younger cousins were in tears, but I was old enough to realize that the adults were playing an awesome joke on us. If this had been 2014, it would have made a great YouTube video or Jimmy Kimmel bit. I highly recommend trying it (and recording it with your phone) at your Christmas Eve party this year.

I clearly remember two of my REAL presents that year. My uncle, a Boston College alum, gave me a Doug Flutie BC game jersey. The following day, Santa Claus surprised us with a trip to Disney World. We left the following day.

I'll never forget that Christmas.