Traditions
During the month of November I have been reading my Facebook friends’ posts on what they are thankful for. As the Holidays approach, I sit here thinking of all I am thankful for. One is tradition. With the death of my father and Mama now living in an assisted living facility, our Christmas Eve tradition of getting together with all my family at my brother’s house no longer exists. This makes me sad.
However, there are other traditions that live on that make the Holidays special. Early during the week of Thanksgiving, my husband gets out all of the Department 56 Village pieces. I sit in wonder as Manda and Babs decorate our den with these wonderful pieces of memory. On Thanksgiving Day we decorate our Christmas tree, hang the handmade stockings that are looking “worn” on the mantle, and put up the “Countdown to Christmas” calendar and fill it with Hershey Kisses. Even though Manda is now married, she continues to be part of this tradition. She even comes by before or after work to get her Hershey Kiss for the day.
On Christmas Eve, we go to my best friend’s parents’ house to snack and shoot fireworks. No longer are there little ones as in years gone by; the little ones are now all “grown up” but have the best time gathering together this one time of the year to act like children again. We then come home, unwrap a few gifts, and play a favorite game together.
Early Christmas morning I get up, have coffee, get dressed while Mark and Babs sleep, and remind myself of how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. When Manda and Brad arrive, they go upstairs to get Babs to come see what Santa left. Once they’re done unwrapping their presents, we go to Kevin’s and Kimberly’s to see what Santa left for their children.
We have breakfast once my mother-in-law arrives. Once again, we’re all in the floor unwrapping more presents. As our girls dress and Catherine naps, Mark and I cook a late lunch. No turkey for my crowd – we have filet mignons. Because of tradition, I can not vary the menu. My children would not think it was Christmas if I didn’t have Cherry Yum Yum for dessert.
Late in the afternoon everyone leaves. Manda and Brad go to his grandparents’ house, Babs goes to her boyfriend’s house, and Catherine goes home. I have my annual meltdown because my parents are no longer here. Then, I put the smile back on my face because I know before long, it will be time once again for these beloved traditions.
Tell me about some of your Holiday traditions. Write your post in Word, save it to your jump drive, in your folder as Tradition Blog. Once you have edited it, copy and paste it here on my blog under comments.
Happy memories!
