It’s getting near to Christmas. And we all have our traditions that help us remember the holiday and what it stands for.
Even if it isn’t a religious thing for you, if nothing else, it is a time for family and friends, and probably some fun traditions.
So whether it’s Christmas, Hanukkah, or Festivus, you probably have some traditions that make this time of year special to you.
I’d just like to share a few of mine, past and present, and then ask you to share some of yours in the comments.
As kids, I think most everything is lost on you, except that Christmas is about the presents.
And as such, the traditions revolve around that aspect. For us as kids, I mostly remember Christmas morning, likely waking way to early to see what we got.
However, there was a process and a procedure to the whole thing. Most of the time, Mom would come get us out of our rooms, line us up outside the living room and make us close our eyes. She would then lead us out into the living room, one by one. Once the three of us kids were in place we were allowed to open our eyes and see what we got that year. We would then take turns opening presents. I remember every year having an orange in the toe of the stocking, and a toothbrush in there somewhere. I’m sure I probably got some decent presents, but I’m pretty sure I’d have been disappointed if the orange or toothbrush were missing.
Later, when we all got a little older Christmas Eve became Dad’s night. Most memorable gift from Dad was always the socks. Every year.
And even then, when we had families of our own, our spouses got socks too. Then the grand kids got socks.
It is something I have tried to keep up on in his place, but I am not nearly as consistent as Dad was at remembering to get everyone their socks.
Mom’s extended family always had a family soup supper on Christmas eve, which us three kids generally didn’t mind missing when it meant we got to spend time with Dad. Mom’s family still has said soup supper, and the three of us now participate in that. Mom and her siblings all made soup for everyone, and of course because I apparently have to be different, am the only child, or grand child that brings soup too. Mostly it’s the fact that dairy and I don’t get along, and I want to make sure I have something I can eat. And I can never bring the same thing more than once, so this years recipe will be coming soon.
But I think really it doesn’t matter what we do, as long as it is about family and friends, it means something good.
These days, Lydia and I are creating our own traditions, whether it’s watching Mr. Bean’s Christmas, Die Hard, or finding new soup recipes, it’s still about finding time to spend with loved ones.
Those are a handful of our traditions. What are some of your more memorable traditions?
Greg
This made me cry. I love our traditions and miss them. I’ve extended the one with closing my sons’ eyes and let them open them when they’re in place. I do the oranges and toothbrushes in the stockings and socks are always included whether from you or me. Oh and we’ve also included a birthday party to Christmas Day too. 🙂
I know. I love hearing from Greg about these traditions. Glad you have such fond memories too.
When I think of Curtis giving you all socks I can’t help but wonder if it was a small reminder of the blessing of our feet. That and the comfort and pleasure of new socks. I love this. I might just adopt it for those reasons.
What a lovely thought Ellen. I had never considered that.
My dad used to do the same thing with us on Christmas mornings. He’d lead us to the living room with our eyes closed until after he turned on the tree lights. I think he enjoyed watching us squirm in excitement for a few seconds before he would let us open our eyes. We also had an orange and a toothbrush every year in our stockings. I always just figured that was a my dad thing, but now I wonder if that’s what Grandma and Grandpa did to our parents when they were kids 🙂
One of my dad’s favorite stories to tell us is how one year when my parents were still married, our family was buying gifts for your family. My mom did the shopping and she was showing my dad what she had bought for you all. She held up a pair of socks and told my dad that they were for your dad. My dad pointed out the obvious and my mom felt pretty silly. My dad told your dad and he responded with something along the lines of liking the fact that my mom saw him for who he was and if I remember correctly, they ended up giving your dad the socks for Christmas.
Soup supper is one of my favorite nights of the year. Not because it’s Christmas eve, or because of the soups (even though they are so yummy!), but it’s one of the few days a year when our family can all be together for a few hours.
Greg I loved this post. Thank you for sharing a bit of your history with us. I loved Ellen’s reflection about your dad giving socks “as a reminder of the blessing of our feet.” Now when I give socks they will have a heightened meaning. I’m sure your dad is proud of you for carrying on some of the family traditions and for being such a wonderful man. I’m looking forward to that Christmas Soup recipe!