12/20/07

by Beckye Randall

Christmas traditions

Maybe it’s the smell of gingerbread in the air, or the act of unpacking all those cherished ornaments, or looking at the progression of kids’ Santa photos that makes us nostalgic this time of year. More than any other holiday, Christmas seems to be a time of traditions.

We long for the company of friends and family, even corny old Uncle Ned and bossy cousin Carol. Ovens crank out sweets that we know we shouldn’t be eating, and let’s not even discuss the calories we consume in eggnog.

And of course, we all drive ourselves over the edge trying to find the perfect gift, or the perfect tree, or the perfect shortbread recipe.

But deep down, all of us harbor the sweet memories of long-held traditions.

When we were children, Christmas was magic, a time when wishes came true. As parents we worked to instill that sense of wonder in our children, to pass on the myth of Santa and Rudolph while hoping to communicate the deeper meaning of the day.

As we talked about our own traditions here at the paper, my co-owners and I decided to share our favorite Christmas memories with you, our readers.

Anita Wuellner looks forward to a Christmas Eve party with friends, family and neighbors each year. The gathering centers around yummy fondue pots, one containing hot oil for cooking meat strips, one with gourmet cheese and wine, and one filled with melted chocolate for dessert dipping. Each person is allowed to open one special present that evening, saving the rest for Christmas morning mayhem.

Lynn Dye, our resident Brit, reminisced about an English Christmas as a young girl. After a warm bath, all the kids would get new pajamas and be bundled off to bed. They wouldn’t stay there long, though. Lynn and her siblings, sister Pat and brothers Brian and Trevor, would start waking up their parents around 2 a.m., asking “Has he (Santa) been yet?”

“No!” would come the reply. “Go back to bed!”

An hour would pass, and another cry of “Has he been yet?” would be met with “No!” Finally, about 4 a.m., the parents would simply give in to the children’s question and answer, “Yes. Go downstairs!” Mum and Dad, of course, would stay snug in their beds for another few hours.

But the kids would scurry downstairs to ravage their stockings, “stuffing their faces” with apples, orange, chocolates, nuts and other candies. The stockings always contained a brand new penny as well. One of Lynn’s favorites was the “Cadbury selection box,” a big box of chocolates with a game printed on the bottom.

For Sue Stevenson, her favorite Christmas memories center around her children and grandchildren, Blaze, Steele, Hunter and Kylie. While the grandkids were younger, Sue would arrange for “Santa” to come to her home in the week before Christmas. “I’ve had some weird and wonderful Santas,” said Sue.

Before the big man’s arrival, the kids would sprinkle oatmeal (for the reindeer) combined with glitter (to attract attention) on Sue’s lawn, so Santa would know where to land for the evening.

All the grandkids would be decked out in new matching PJs, with Santa hats and reindeer noses. The family would enjoy a wonderful homemade seafood dinner, open presents and enjoy a crackling fire.

When I think of Christmas, two distinct traditions come to mind.

When I was a youngster, my big noisy Texas family would gather at my Mamaw’s house on Christmas Eve for a get-together that always included a cousins’ talent show as the highlight. For weeks ahead of time, we’d meet at my aunt’s house to rehearse our songs and skits for the big night. The finale was always my rendition of “A Christmas Song,” even though I had no idea what chestnuts were!

After marrying into a German family, I began to look forward to his family’s Christmas Eve traditions that were so totally different from my Southern upbringing. I loved the German Christmas carols, sung (however reluctantly) by the whole family. My sons may not be able to speak German, but they all know one chorus of “Stille Nacht” (Silent Night) because of Oma. I never really learned to love her sardine salad, but that’s okay.

We hope your holiday celebrations will be filled with memories, and maybe you’ll even create some new traditions. Enjoy the beauty of the season and all the joy it brings. We’ll talk again in the new year.