Christmas Traditions With a Twist

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“Traditions touch us, they connect us and they expand us.”

–Rita Barreto Craig

I fondly remember celebrating Christmas at my grandparent’s home in Starks, Louisiana. We drove the six miles from our house in Texas to theirs in eager anticipation of what Santa left there. Coffee, breakfast, and a reading of a gospel narrative of Jesus’ birth preceded anyone entering the formal living room. The anticipation drove my brother and me into a frenzy. When my grandmother finally opened the door for us, time seemed to stand still for a moment. I took in the room, the beautiful tree, more presents than anyone deserved, and wondered how my grandfather might surprise my grandmother that year. One year, he gave my grandmother and me a cruise on “the Love Boat.” After the tree, the ladies moved into the kitchen to cook the Christmas feast, the men napped, and my brother and I played with new toys, amazed at our good fortune.

My childhood Christmas memories helped shape the traditions Brett and I built for our family but did not define them.

In our early years as newlyweds and then as parents, we formed our own traditions. Before Christmas, we set aside a weekend to bake and prepare Christmas treats for friends and neighbors. We try to do it when all the kids are home because no one wants to miss this: mini pecan pies, Chex Mix, and chocolate-dipped Oreos and Nutter Butters. Of course, we keep a few of our favorites to snack on through the season.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day contain their own traditions: Mass on Christmas Eve, a family party at a dear friend’s home, and pictures in front of the tree in our Christmas pajamas. After a “long winter’s nap” and morning coffee, the kids rush to the Gameroom to see if Santa came. They check out Santa’s delivery and slowly open stockings. After breakfast, we move to the living room to open family gifts together, taking turns opening one present at a time. The pace is slow; the laughter is plentiful. Meanwhile, someone keeps a running list for thank you notes.

Next up: lunch.

Christmas lunch looks a little different at our house than most. It certainly does NOT look like this photo!

Let’s just say that my husband resembled a picky eater as a child. He dreaded holiday meals, except for bread and dessert. He refers to holiday casseroles as “funeral food,” things like dressing, green bean casserole, peas with a roux, and the oyster pie turned his stomach. As an adult, he’s outgrown some of the pickiness, but he wanted to ensure his own kids never dreaded Christmas lunch.

The lunch rules are simple.

Brett suggested each of the six of us choose one item for the menu. Your item may be purchased or homemade. Appetizer. Dessert. Main Course. Does not matter. No duplicates. You get to serve your choice to yourself first, as much as you want, then the others get a taste. The first year, our kids seemed shocked but ultimately loved it.

You might not believe the variety. Cheetos, lobster tails, tabouleh salad, french bread, macaroni and cheese, steaks, fish sticks, oysters, stuffed grape leave, kibbeh, dirty rice, gumbo, hot dogs, and so on. No one leaves the table hungry or disappointed.

Perhaps my favorite tradition involves the gift for my father-in-law, Big Daddy. At eighty-five, he no longer wants much of anything. He can buy what he wants and usually does.  Many years ago, we decided to try something new instead of purchasing something just to say we did.

We located a family that needed some Christmas cheer and provided them with gifts.

We then shared their story with Big Daddy in a letter. He loved it, and so did we. We continued that tradition for many years now. Some years it is a family and some years an individual. Every year we get much more than we receive from this gift. This gifting tradition truly taught our family the meaning of Christmas, and I pray it is one they continue with their own children.

In the words of St. Francis of Assisi, “It is in giving that we receive.”

 

Merry Christmas from Pensacola Mom Collective

to you and your family!

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