This was written several years ago. Thought I would/should post it to this blog. Things still hold true.
Hoping all have a Blessed Christmas. Celebrating Our Savior’s Birth. Holding fast to what He has done for us all.
At our house some traditions start early in the month of December.
At my childhood home and here and now. The 1st tradition to usher in the Christmas season would happen at Church.
During the service the 1st Advent Candle is lit.
As I was growing up, I would often find my Mother in the kitchen preparing meals.
But at Christmas, she would be preparing goodies.
During this first week at my childhood home , she would be baking cookies. Chocolate chips, sugar cookies, and the like. Most of these would get packed in a large box filled with popcorn to serve as packing so the cookies would not break during shipping.
Mom and the other church ladies shipped home baked goods to our troops. I don’t remember where the boxes went. I just know they went.
That was then, but now,
I don’t bake like Mom, so at my house. Each year we try to do at least one Christmas Child gift box. Our church family gathers these and takes them to a collection place run be Samaritan’s Purse so they can be sent to different places around the world.
The 2nd Advent Candle gets lit at the Church during the service.
Back to my childhood and more of Mom’s baking. More traditional things would start pouring out of the kitchen.
Mom was Norwegian. So there would be creme wafers, Rosettes, Krumkaker, butter cookies, cream puffs, Sandbakelse, Sirupssnipper. Yum!
These became gifts that would come to the family gathering on Christmas Day or brought out as afternoon treats if visitors dropped by the house. Coffee was always brewing.
That was then, now. As mention earlier I don’t bake. We still have a family gathering (probably not this year) These gatherings are smaller.
My sisters are wonderful cooks, like Mom. though they haven’t quite mastered the cookies. However, they have specialities of their own. It’s always a grand feast.
The 3rd Advent Candle gets lit.
More Christmas hymns/songs start being heard.
A tree gets put up and lights get strung around the house. Back then this was a bigger to do. We would do full tilt decorating when the boys were little. Now not so much.
The 4th Advent Candle is lit. Christmas is near.
Christmas Eve. Would either find us at our Church for a Candlelight Service or sitting around the tree listening to someone, Then. Dad or Mom reading the Christmas story out of the Bible (Luke 2)
Now. Me
This was/ is the yealy best tradition.
Christmas Day.
The younger year gatherings were huge! Grandparents, aunties, uncles, cousins. They came from near or far.
The joy, the hustle, the bustle. Getting everyone gathered around. Thankful hearts. The prayers. The meal!
Grateful for the heritage from both parents.
Then and now
Time passes. We don’t hustle and bustle now.
Christmas mornings are guiet. DH is the one in the kitchen. He makes us Eggs Benedict for breakfast. He has for several years. (I hope this tradition continues.)
Family Gathering then.
After the meal the house would explode with kids heading out to go sledding, snow play, or go to find games to enjoy at different places in the house.
The cookies and other specialty treats would be laid out for snacking. Pies, cheeses, salamies, crackers, pickles, smoked fish. All the family had wonderous things they made to share.
Now, the meal is followed by some games for those who like that or just sitting around conversing.
If my sister’s dh brought his guitar we have music and singing.
Somebody would be manning the espresso pot and steamer. (Actually this happens no matter the season or family home you drop by (except mine, just a regular pot of joe here, dark roasted Italian)
It’s always nice to see everyone. The gatherings may be smaller now but still as heart felt.
Even though we don’t have far to travel.
We don’t stay as long as we once would. DH lets me be the sayer of when it’s time to go. So thankful.
This Christmas will undoubtedly be different. But, it will still be Christmas. Can’t stop it.
Some Traditions will hold fast. They always will. They always have.
Hope you all have a Blessed Christmas and carry it with you all Year.
God Bless us. Everyone.
ttfn, k
