For the five members of the Hernandez family, the notion of Christmas with presents is so unusual that none of them remembers when it might have ever really happened. Life for this family of two boys, 6 and 12, and two girls, 15 and 19, and the 38-year-old single matriarch , has been troubled, difficult and frequently lacking in the niceties of formal celebration.

And yet this year — one in which they've struggled even more than in years gone by — could end up being the family's season of transition and hope for a new beginning.

The person responsible for keeping the family together come what may is the oldest daughter, Jaquanna Hernandez — a part-time student with a full-time job working with a traveling preschool program. It is a job she loves and for which she is especially suited — particularly the traveling part.

"We've been traveling all over the place," she said of her family. "So, actually, within Hawai'i, I'd say we've been in every city, because we've been moving back and forth all the time."

The family's nomadic existence has been the result of the past drug addiction of her mother, Christine Hernandez, she said.

That addiction is the reason the family left public housing in Kalihi, for instance.

"We weren't able to pay our rent, so we had to go."

Once again, the family was traveling from place to place and shelter to shelter. But miracles do happen, and now Christine is clean and sober, and she has been for months.

"She was tired of seeing her life the way it was," Jaquanna said. "She's seen people turn their lives around before. It makes me love her even more because now she's trying. And, what's even more exciting is she's getting her high school diploma."

Christine is temporarily disabled because of a recent surgery, but while she's recovering she has enrolled in a Competency-Based High School Diploma Program. She is optimistic about the future — her own and her family's.

But the hardship continues. The family remains homeless. They are living in a Wai'anae transitional shelter. Their sole source of income is what Jaquanna earns — which is enough for food, clothing, program fees, school supplies, and what other necessities her mother and siblings may require. But there is nothing left for wants.

And although Christmas presents may be a vague and distant vision for the family, this season might be a time for gifts to manifest themselves as a part of this family's renewed hope.

"I have worked with the family throughout the year," said Keali'iokekai L. Liana, case worker for Catholic Charities Hawaii. "I have seen them struggle and try so hard to get back on their feet. Jaquanna has been forced to grow up so quickly and wants her siblings to enjoy their childhood."

"She and her mom could really benefit from any blessings others can give."