In West Valley City, Utah, families are coming together ahead of Christmas Day, with many rushing to complete last-minute preparations. For some, the holiday is about the company around the Christmas tree rather than the gifts beneath it. Ari Gallegos, a 21-year-old Marine from North Carolina, is home for Christmas this year and is excited to reunite with a dozen family members for the celebration. She shared her plans to cook traditional dishes like pozole, barbacoa, and tamales. 'It feels good to be home,' Gallegos expressed. Randy Thomas, a long-time West Valley City resident, is also preparing for a busy holiday season. He is gathering tools to build a ramp for family visiting from various parts of Utah. This Christmas is particularly poignant for Thomas, as it marks the first holiday without his mother. He reflected on her passing, saying, 'My mom is now with my dad in heaven; how can you complain about that?' Gallegos' holiday feels especially significant this year as she met her older brother in person for the first time. After years of communicating through FaceTime, she finally got to see him, stating, 'Oh my god, you’re my brother!' This reunion adds a new layer to their family gathering. Additionally, Gallegos mentioned her mother has not seen her son in 20 years, and their reunion was described as 'amazing.' This holiday season is bringing families together in meaningful ways, with shared meals and cherished moments being the focus of their celebrations.