Every family has traditions connected to the celebration of Christmas. The best thing about traditions is that they evolve over time. When we were kids we could discover what was in our stocking (laid on the couch with care) as soon as we woke up on Christmas morning but presents could not be opened until the breakfast dishes were done. We also don't put names on the packages which results in another tradition of at least two gifts getting mixed up. The early Christmas Eve service at our church was followed by oyster stew or potato soup. But once Grandpa died, the oyster stew fell away and an uncle's family joined us instead of our grandparents.
This year we broke many of our traditions. Due to some of my uncle's grandchildren being sick and Mom recovering from surgery, our Christmas Eve meal was just my family and for the first time in my memory, we opened some of our gifts that evening. Mom wrote names on some of the gifts because she didn't think she could remember. On Christmas we enjoyed meat fondu and homemade crème brulée. During the meal Mom asked us some questions about the Christmas story. So much of what we think happened at Jesus' birth is shaped by carols rather than what the gospels actually tell us. One thing I learned is that at the time of his birth, no one celebrated birthdays. As a result the early church did not celebrate Jesus' birthday either. As has often been the case, Christmas afternoon was spent playing games. I missed out on most of it since I needed to head back north.
Other Christmas week traditions include watching too much football while doing a puzzle, eating far more goodies than usual, getting together with Dad's side of the family close to New Year's and tonight we will be bringing in the New Year by going to bed at the usual time. I know I've been grateful for time with family and a slower week with no studies to worry about. The semester officially starts on Jan 3, but I'll get a head start on Wednesday.
No comments:
Post a Comment