Here we are just days left in the 2010 holiday shopping season. If you're like most, you are busy finishing your shopping list and planning for a week of family events. If you're like most, you've already been to at least two Christmas parties and have your house decorated to celebrate this important religious holiday. You may, like most, wonder when Christmas started in October and when it became so stressful and list-filled.
Remember when you were a kid? Christmas meant time off from school, new toys, playing with cousins you hadn't seen in a year, and special holiday food. Some families bake cookies together, others have secret Santa...no matter the traditions your family chose you can look back at them fondly. In my family we traveled to my grandparents' houses in West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. Both my mother's and father's families lived about 20 minutes apart so the trip brought time with both families and expanded our view of traditional. My father's family had quiet meals and listened to "The Chipmunks" on the old turn table. My grandfather made sure our family dog was well fed from his Christmas plate, something we never allowed the rest of the year. At my mother's parents we were joined by a bevvy of Aunts, Uncles, and distant cousins for a full house and dinner with so many places settings it was hard to determine which one was the "kiddie" table.
My list today is a reminder that this holiday is about more than shopping lists and visits to the mall. I hope a few of them are already planned for your Christmas. A few other ideas may round out your traditions or give you ideas for setting new ones. I got inspiration from my co-workers so I hope you enjoy their favorite holiday celebrations. As always, please feel free to add your own ideas by submitting comments at the bottom of this entry. Merry Christmas!
1. Cut your own tree- My brother and I went out in the woods just once determined to find the best tree ever. It was upstate New York, for which both of us were unprepared. Our search ended quickly as the cold lowered our standards considerably. I've never had more fun decorating. Somehow the imperfections made it more charming.
2. Watch a holiday special- My daughters enjoy "The Charlie Brown Christmas". As a child I was especially fond of the claymation specials with Rudolph and the Heat Miser.
3. Prepare a special breakfast- My coworker's wife makes apple cinnamon pancakes so good, her adult children and their families get up extra early to make sure they arrive in time for a hot one. My grandmother served pecan rolls warm from the oven and dripping in Karo syrup.
4. Donate to someone in need- My parents were especially good at teaching us to appreciate our own blessings by sharing at Christmas. Adopt an Angel, Make a Wish, or leave a plate of goodies on a neighbor's porch. There are so many opportunities to give this year and no time when it has been more needed.
5. Go Christmas caroling- I haven't done this since my younger daughter was in grade school. She still remembers our trip to the nursing home where we sang room to room. I haven't managed to get the kids together for a neighborhood version but would love nothing better.
6. Do something silly as a family- A close friend gets together with her small family on Christmas Eve. After dinner and dessert they sing and act out "The 12 Days of Christmas" with every family member taking two of the days. They don't quit until they've remembered their parts perfectly from start to finish.
7. Reach out to distant family- So many of us have family who cannot join us at the holiday. Find a special way to stay in touch. I love getting a Christmas card from my aunt in New Jersey. Reading about their year is always entertaining. My husband calls his mom in Denmark on Christmas Eve to send his love. A friend of mine scans family pictures and sends out the compilation on a CD to distant relatives.
8. Limit presents- One of my coworkers who has two young children buys three presents for each of her kids representing the three gifts brought to Jesus by the Wise Men. Another acquaintance asks her kids to choose one unopened present to donate to the Salvation Army. The kids never know what's inside but love feeling like it was probably the best gift of all.
9.Read the Christmas story in the Bible- It's easy to forget the reason for our celebrations. Take time with your family to read the gospel accounts of the birth.
10. Ring in the New Year- My favorite part of the family tradition came on New Year's Eve when my mother's side of the family celebrated the coming year with distant relatives and family friends. Because of this tradition, I got to know my distant cousins and my children got to meet their children. We dressed up, played very silly party games, sand songs, and watched the ball drop on Times Square. It hasn't been the same since my grandmother passed several years ago. Perhaps this is one tradition I will continue in her honor with my own grandchildren when they arrive.
No comments:
Post a Comment