Holidays are designated days for special celebration and reflection. They provide the opportunity to recognize notable people, events, or accomplishments, which always should be considered along with the celebration. Some holidays are more widely observed and full of traditions than others, and the December ones definitely fit that category. For the most part, these holidays are spent with family and friends and are happy times. However, many of us are dealing with circumstances this year that may be overshadowing our holiday festivities. At these times, we may not feel like celebrating, but we can still reflect on the reason for the holiday. Remembering the meaning behind the holiday can bring us peace, comfort, and joy that no worldly circumstances can take away. And for that, we can be thankful. In addition, memories of our past holidays can bring a smile to our face.
I have a fond place in my heart for Christmas because of our family traditions and my memories. Although these traditions have changed through the years (of necessity, circumstances change – traditions change), I still look forward to the decorations, the gift giving, and the time with family and friends that Christmastime offers.
One of my favorite childhood family traditions was our Christmas stockings. Our stockings were not decorated socks hung on the mantel. They were nylon stockings stuffed full of presents that were hung on our bedroom doorknobs while we slept on Christmas Eve. They were filled with 15 to 20 little packages that we were allowed to unwrap and play with as soon as we woke up. It was an exciting prelude to the day’s activities! And thinking back, it was a rather brilliant plan that allowed my parents a little extra time to sleep on Christmas morning.
Family traditions build family ties and are sources of lovely memories. My memories of Christmas as a child are special to me and give me great appreciation for my parents. My memories of Christmas as a mother and grandmother are equally special. This post would be many pages long if I tried to write about all of those.
When I became a parent, I wanted to share my family traditions with my kids and hopefully give them good memories too. We did the stockings (although, it became gift bags because nylon stockings were hard to come by), and Christmas poppers, among other things. And we developed our own traditions like our Christmas Eve appetizer feast and opening one present that night. Now I get to see the traditions that my kids are building with their families. And the best part of all – is that through the whole progression, I get more and more wonderful memories that bless my heart.
I sincerely pray that this holiday season is a blessed time for you and your family and friends (whether together or apart). I pray that you have heartwarming memories of your own holiday traditions and that you continue to enjoy sharing those traditions and building new ones. I pray that taking time to remember the reason for the holiday brings you peace. There is much to be thankful for.
Note to my readers: Thank you again for spending some time with me. Much love to you and your families.