Each year, as the Christmas season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the traditions of my childhood and how my family celebrates today. While some customs have changed, many cherished traditions continue to bring us together year after year.
Then
As a child, I would feel the
excitement for Christmas begin the weekend after Thanksgiving, when our family
would assemble and decorate the tree. For many years, we had a beautiful silver
tree adorned with blue ornaments. The house—and our neighborhood—sparkled with
festive lights and decorations. I loved visiting stores to admire the dazzling
ornaments and twinkling lights on the most stunning trees I had ever seen.
The anticipation grew as I
participated in school concerts and plays, which helped the days pass more
quickly. I was always eager to see what Santa would bring for my family. Of
course, my siblings and I received plenty of gifts from Mom and Dad—perhaps too
many, some might say!
A few days before Christmas, the
house filled with the delicious aromas of holiday cooking. Mom and Dad prepared
greens, thawed the turkey, and diced vegetables for the dressing. The Christmas
ham waited in the refrigerator, and sweet potato and egg custard pies baked in
the oven, making my mouth water.
On Christmas morning, my siblings
and I would wake up around four a.m., anxious to see if “Santa” had delivered
our wishes. We waited for our parents to join us before opening any presents,
savoring the moment together.
Later in the day, friends and
family gathered for a festive meal. Our table overflowed with turkey, dressing,
ham, macaroni and cheese, mustard greens, cornbread, chitterlings, green bean
casserole, and pies. When Aunt Lottie visited, she brought her homemade
apple-peach cobbler—a special treat. The day was always filled with laughter,
delicious food, and memories that have lasted a lifetime.
As we grew older and started our
own families, our children would open their gifts at midnight. Later, we’d
visit my parents’ home to celebrate with extended family, followed by visits to
cousins and in-laws.
When my husband joined the U.S.
Navy, and we moved away from our families, we adapted our traditions. We
decorated two weeks before Christmas, and our shopping usually happened the
weekend before Christmas Day—sometimes last-minute, but we always found what we
needed. On Christmas Eve, we attended church services, and the kids opened
presents early Christmas morning. Our holiday meals remained much the same,
though I began making Strawberry Pretzel Dessert instead of egg custard pies,
and collard greens replaced mustard greens. Turkey eventually disappeared from
our menu.
Now
Today, we put up our trees the
day after Thanksgiving. The grandchildren take charge of decorating, while I
offer guidance (or, as they say, supervise). The main floor tree is adorned
with a gold-and-ivory garland and a delicate angel in an ivory dress trimmed
with gold. I love gazing at the tree as its twinkling lights fill our living
room. In the basement, the grandchildren have full creative freedom, decorating
a tree with multicolored lights and a collection of ornaments made or gathered
over the years.
We shop throughout the season,
mostly online and at local small businesses. Gifts are wrapped as they’re
purchased, so we’re not up all night on Christmas Eve—a welcome change from
years past.
Throughout the season, I enjoy
watching Christmas movies, especially “A Christmas Story” on Christmas Day, as
well as all the NFL football games.
Our holiday dinner features the same beloved dishes each year, but now I have wonderful help in the kitchen. One granddaughter makes Strawberry Pretzel Dessert and Banana Pudding, with assistance from her younger sisters. My daughter prepares sweet potato casserole, collard greens, and dinner rolls. I’m in charge of macaroni and cheese and ham. We buy apple and sweet potato pies, since I’ve been told my sweet potato pies are delicious, but not quite like my dad’s!
A new tradition we’ve added is
sharing a scripture related to the meaning of Christmas during dinner, with
each person explaining why it’s meaningful to them.
Whether you celebrate Christmas,
Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or another special holiday, I encourage you to reflect: How
have your traditions changed or stayed the same over the years? The heart of
the season is found in the memories we create and the love we share.
