Christmas Traditions…
Growing up, my sister and I were treated to many special holiday traditions. There are two that stand out in particular for me. Long before “Elf on the Shelf” came to be, we had an elf from Santa’s workshop who would arrive at our house around the beginning of Advent. One morning we would get up and there s/he was! They were there to keep an eye on us and make sure we would remain on Santa’s nice list. Our elf was always outside of our reach and didn’t do any activities or anything. It was just there to watch and learn. Considering my sister and I are only a couple of years apart and full of energy (at least back then), I’m sure the elf’s arrival was also a relief for our parents. For a short period of time, perhaps, there was some peace in the house as we tried our best to be “good”.
The second, and more important, tradition was in conjunction with our nativity scene. We each had a small manger and starting at the beginning of Advent, we would receive a piece of straw for each “good” day. The point was to be good children and provide the baby Jesus with a soft bed. A cynic might say that these two traditions were born of our parents’ desire to make their children behave in the lead-up to Christmas. I would argue that the more important goal was to understand the meaning of Christmas (birth of a baby) and to remember His humble beginnings and provide some comfort to Him. [I think having your children behave in this crazy season is an excellent additional outcome!]
Over the years, I’ve carried on these two traditions and others we had, as well as adopting new ones of my own. In fact, today there is an elf in my living room (watching from the beam) and a manger on my buffet. I also have two Advent calendars, one with chocolate and one without. Oh, and there’s a chalkboard counting down the days until Christmas. Yes, I love Christmas!
I recently read about a family whose traditions include spending Christmas in a different place each year. [Of course, now that I want to reference it, I can’t find it!] Anyway, what I remember from the article is how they embrace the “new” each year. They even spent one Christmas in Las Vegas. Not exactly a location that I would consider particularly festive, but who am I to say? My son and I tried a Christmas vacation once. We went to Disney World. We arrived on Christmas Eve and awoke early the next morning to kick off Christmas Day at Epcot. We attended a special Christmas production with a wonderful choir and had our dinner (by special booking) at an English restaurant. It was fun and we both agreed we preferred to be home. I’m glad we tried it, though.
Our traditions include mass on Christmas Eve with the excitement of Christmas morning just for us. We allow one gift to be opened on Christmas Eve and it was always pyjamas and you ALWAYS wore them right away. When my son was young (and when I was, too), it was impossible to be awake too soon! You’re so wound up as a child and can’t wait to get down to the tree to see what Santa has left. I have to say that’s the one thing I miss as an adult. That unrestrained energy that gets a child out of bed and bouncing with eagerness. And not just for what they got but for what they got you. Whether that gift is bought or made or repurposed, there is nothing like the eyes of your child while they watch you open that special gift.
My own traditions include baking (so many people would agree!) and gifting those goodies. I have certain recipes I only bring out at this time of year. This year I’ve made: chocolate chip cookie dough truffles (recipe courtesy of my friend, JR), shortbread (my Dad’s recipe), eggnog cookies, peppermint kisses, and chocolate fudge (a new recipe and one I’m not sold on). And I have to say that the new kitchen is a wonderful space to work in – so much room and the lightness made the work seem even happier!
I’ve always tried to give to those less fortunate than I. Where I raised my son, we participated in the giving of gifts to an inner city school, always chose a child from the Angel tree to buy for, and a senior for whom we provided Christmas dinner. The Christmas dinner gift is what I miss the most. I chose a teenager this year from an Angel tree and felt thrilled dropping off the present and I have given as much as I can to the Salvation Army helpers. But I miss shopping for Christmas dinner for someone else. It seems so little to give when I am fortunate enough to not feel hunger.
We have so many traditions and these are but a few. In the end it’s about special time with family and friends, even when you can’t be physically together. I hope you and your families are able to find joy, laughter, and love throughout this season, whether you celebrate Christmas or not.
Christmas baking from left: peppermint kisses, chocolate chip cookie dough truffles (before dipping in chocolate), shortbread based on my dad’s recipe.
Two of my goodie tins.
On the left is the Advent calendar I have owned since before my son was born 26 years ago and on the right is the chalkboard countdown that I’ve had since he was a toddler.
On the left is my small manger, being filled with straw for the Christmas Eve birth and on the right is the elf visiting from Santa’s village this year.