Traditions!
At this time of year, many of us are wrapped up in traditions passed down from our families. Traditions are comfort, like a big warm blanket on a cold winter day. They spark memories of special people and special times.
Growing up, my family’s Christmas traditions began as we set out the decorations. I loved setting up mom’s nativity scene making sure to accurately place baby Jesus under the glow of the little light of the creche. Then came decorating the tree. Our tree didn’t belong in a Pottery Barn Christmas catalog. The theme of our Christmas tree was friends and family - displayed by the multitude of ornaments, many homemade, gifted to us by very special people. To this day, I love gazing at our tree and thinking about those loved ones.
As the yuletide season continued, we had great fun with our family caroling parties. I grew up in a small farm town in Nebraska. Since mom was the choir director at church, it only made sense that she coordinate one of the largest caroling groups I’ve ever seen. Dad would find a farmer willing to lend us a big farm truck and generations of families who were part of mom’s choir would pack ourselves into the back of that truck and drive through town pausing in the middle of a block while the young kids jumped out of the truck and knocked on doors. Suddenly voices from the truck would begin singing Christmas carols. But the best part of that evening was when we returned to our house. We packed into the living room of our home and continued singing and being entertained by individuals and families with musical talents. When I think of Christmas, this is my favorite memory.
On to Christmas morning. You would think that my favorite part of the morning would be opening gifts, but as I look back on my youth, my favorite part of Christmas morning was walking around to the neighbors homes to visit, check out each other’s gifts, and the adults enjoyed a glass of wine.
I will always be grateful to my parents for instilling in me the love of traditions….connections….relationships! Because, isn’t that what makes our world so beautiful?
As you gather with family and friends during this holiday season, however and whatever you choose to celebrate, may you find love and comfort in your traditions!!