As I read a friend's blog about Christmast Traditions, it got me thinking about my own. One tradition, for example, is every year, I threaten not to do Christmas cards. Hardly a tradition, but something I fret about annually anyway. Between the blog and Facebook, I'm not sure there is a point, so I really think I might be done. Really. Maybe.
But seriously, as I watched the calendar fill up, I wondered how we would get it all in, so I took a moment to step back and think about what makes Christmas feel like Christmas to me...as I did this, I realized *I* didn't the kids to see Santa and make their request, but if Mitchell had asked for it, I would've done it. He was satisfied with a plan to see Santa at school (which didn't work out as he is home with a fever). So now we will have to see if we need a plan B.
Every year, I do love getting my collection of German nutcrackers out and displaying them in the dining room and on our mantle. As soon as we started decorating this year, Mitchell asked to help put up the "little men." He knows they are very special, so he carefully held one and placed it on the table. He really enjoyed helping with that project and decorating the tree.
For 9 years, Jeremy and I have made Kirkendall Candy at Christmas. This was something my grandparents did and I remember watching eagerly as my parents made it when I was a child. When Jeremy and I got married, we were given a key piece of equipment to allow us to carry on the family tradition...a marble slab. This year, we did all of it without the kids watching, but Mitchell knows it's importance. My sister didn't pick up this tradition- so I hope at least one of my boys will. I also love doing this because during a busy time of year, it gives Jeremy and I time to sit and talk while we wait for the candy to cook. Maybe there is music in the background, but the TV is off and the computer sits idle.
Another fond memory I have is taking a walk with my dad on Christmas Eve to look at the lights and luminaries displayed by our neighbors. We'd bundle up and walk around. I don't know if this was to get me out of the house and out of my mom's hair or so the elves could do some more work. While we didn't do it every year, we did it enough and I'd love to bundle us up to go walking on Christma Eve to see the lights. I purposefully haven't driven the boys around the neighborhood thinking this something we could do next weekend.
Of course I enjoy the family gatherings, great food, going to church (on occasion) and gift giving too! Those are key things to celebrating Christmas...but leading up to the festivities can take quite a bit of work. So, as these 3 things rose to the top of my Christmas memories I realized they aren't events or things I need to spend a lot of money on (unless, of course, I decide I want a new nutcracker- those aren't cheap!). It helped me to step back and let my children guide our events of the season. Mitchell has asked to make cookies for Santa, so we will do that when he's feeling better. But even then, it's about time together, doing the little things that will have a lasting impact. And that realization alone has lessened some of the stress that comes with the hustle and bustle.
(I am sure Jeremy has a different point of view...which I'm curious about. I'll see if I can get him to share his thoughts.)
1 comments:
This is great! I have a friend who recommended doing just this- reflecting on what things you really want to do and really want your kids to remember and focusing on those things. I wish my friends who spend thousands of dollars on gifts (and then moan and groan about it) would do this. Because, honestly, I don't remember many gifts I got growing up beyond some key special ones, but I DO recall certain traditions. I may have a similar post in the future.....
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