Community Chat

[hovis]

It;s so nice to read all the traditions people have for Christmas. I was raised up with traditions and they have carried me through all these years with some changes. What makes me feel sad are the people that don't have these memories. Do they choose not to celebrate the season or did they not have the opportunity to create these memories?

Thanks.

[PamfromCT]

@hovis, Our family always had our unique way of celebrating Christmas.  We always went to the children's Mass at our church on Christmas Eve,  followed by our traditional dinner.  Christmas morning was time for gifts, followed by celebrating with extended family.  Our children have memories of those times.  Now that they are grown, we share time with them, as both of their spouses' families deserve their time.  So things are different from year to year.  This year our DD and SIL are hosting Christmas Eve again at their home.  Christmas Day we are going out to dinner with DB and DSIL, followed by family time at our home.  Our DS and DDIL - with our two little toots (our GC) will be coming later.  Then the fun begins!  Last year I had bought a large package of fake soft snowballs for a funny gift for GC.

Wouldn't you know?  We all had a big snowball fight?  It was so funny, we just couldn't stop laughing.  Even our little GD, who was not even 2, went around collecting snowballs on the floor.  So I think another tradition is here.

[beach-mom]

I think traditions are very important. I lost my mom right before Christmas (which was her favorite time of year)  when I was younger, and keeping the traditions going keeps her close!

We light a REAL Bayberry candle on Christmas Eve and let it burn out into Christmas Day. Usually I put it in the sink when I finally go to bed - IF I go to bed! LOL!

We have "table gifts." Every guest at Christmas dinner receives a small gift to open before the dinner. It is placed on their plates. 

Every Christmas stocking will have an orange and a toothbrush. (Usually because everyone has electric toothbrushes now, I will buy travel ones).

The first bow on the first package opened goes on the nearest kitty - for a few seconds at least as long as he/she will keep it on!

One that my family never did, but I started myself, is giving my children Christmas pajamas to wear to bed Christmas Eve. 

For New Year's Day -

We always have blackeyed peas. DH doesn't like these, but he will eat ONE spoonful I on the other hand grew up with them and am crazy about them. 

We always have pork on New Year's Day. No chicken or turkey. I can still hear my grandmother saying,"Chicken scratches backwards"! 

[Mominohio]

I've shared this tradition before, and it isn't mine, but we have friends, that on New Year's Eve, go out to lunch as a family, the to a bookstore. Everyone gets a new book (or two) and then home to read in the new year, with a fire in the fireplace, and lots of snacks and drinks on hand. I love this tradition, and want to start it for us.

We have a tradition of getting the family together and going out for breakfast on Christmas eve morning or lunch in the early afternoon. Sometimes we includes several friends, and just visit and enjoy each other's company. I always leave a tip that is more than the bill, to help make someone else's holiday special.

To me it isn't important what someone's traditions are, but I do feel it is important to have some. They don't have to be costly, or even about the holiday or on the exact holiday, but I think every child should be raised with some traditions.

[RedTop]

I agree with traditions that result in great bonding moments for those involved.   And as long as everyone is truly enjoying those special get-togethers, then it is definitely a positive and good thing to keep family, and friends, connected.  

However, when one persons "tradition" is remembered after her death as a forced gathering for 40 years, it is far from a good thing.  

[Lila Belle]

Growing up we always had monkey bread while we opened presents, lunch was ham biscuits, a cheese board and veggies, and Xmas dinner was either crown of pork or beef, Yorkshire pudding, roasted
brussels sprouts. And always a Xmas cracker by our plate.

I do the same thing and have added my husband's family traditions as well : opening 1 gift Xmas eve ( always pj's ), Pez dispenser in the stockings, an open house on Xmas afternoon.

[Puzzle Piece]

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@hovis wrote:

It;s so nice to read all the traditions people have for Christmas. I was raised up with traditions and they have carried me through all these years with some changes. What makes me feel sad are the people that don't have these memories. Do they choose not to celebrate the season or did they not have the opportunity to create these memories?

Thanks.

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Why feel sad?  I won't' ever understand that.  You are correct that we choose not to carry on so-called traditions of the past.  They don't suit us.  We make our own and they are not necessarily around the christmas season.  Makes us happy to do so.  Our memories are different that yours.  We have choice in this nation, one can choose not to go along with the crowds/tradition.