Christmas is the time of year when the unexpected sometimes happen. Each year, we have experiences that remain with us for the rest of our lives.

Some Sentinel readers shared some of the special moments of Christmases past with our readers.

Travis Abercrombie (pictured) said, “Fortunately, I don’t have a favorite Christmas memory. I say fortunately because all of my Christmas’ are special to me because I spent them around my loved ones. When I had the chance to go home, I spent them with my family where we played games and laughed about things that happened.

“When I stayed down here, I spent it with my girlfriend, whom I love very much, and she did everything she could to make Christmas feel just as special as the previous ones. So every Christmas carries with it a favorite memory and reminds me how blessed I am to have people in my life who love me.”

Ms. Janelle McGregor said, “One of my favorite holiday memories was the year my mom piled my siblings and I in the car on Christmas Eve and headed up north in search of snow.  We had to settle for hot dogs and chips instead of a traditional holiday meal, but it was all worth it when we got to spend Christmas in Kentucky playing in the snow for the first time in our lives.”

Ms. Chris Dingle said she has fond memories of Christmases past. “My best Christmas memories are when my daughter, niece, and nephews were small. I played Santa and waited for them to fall asleep. Then, I brought out all of their gifts and toys and waited to watch their faces on Christmas morning.”

Mrs. Gwendolyn Miller said, “My best Christmas memory happened two years ago, going on a cruise with my husband. We had time to be alone. There were no telephones, no intrusions, just being able to be alone with my husband. It was just exciting to get away from everything.”

Ms. Thelberta Daniels said, “My best memory of Christmas memories will be this year. I will be able to provide for my family after being unemployed for a few years. Medical reasons kept me from working.

“Thanks to CDC of Tampa, I have gone from being a volunteer for them for almost a year to being a fulltime Administrative Assistant. The opportunity CDC has given me has made my children feel proud of me, and to know, their Christmas will be merry this year.”