I Love Christmas
My grandparents' home on Lake Oswego was always enchanting to me, from the first view as we pulled up, of the small cozy family room tucked below the driveway, to the winding shady garden path down to the lake.
But at Christmastime, it became the epitome of a magical wonderland. My mom left the holiday decorating to her mother, so when we arrived for Christmas, I was stepping from my reality into a few days of otherworldliness. It never ceased to delight and mesmerize me. I'd wandered into the living room to be stunned, once again, by the 4-foot decorated tree (real of course) on top of the gleaming baby grand piano, surrounded by what looked to me like hundreds of colorful Christmas cards and wrapped gifts, more spilling onto the floor below. It was a sight just as unique and spectacular to me from one year to the next. I'd come upon festive bowls of nuts and hard candy on tabletops--something unknown at my own home. From there I'd be drawn to the sideboard in the dining room, where there was always a (cotton) snowy mountain with a village of glittery cardboard houses and bottle brush trees (1950's Japan) to capture my imagination.
I was in a sort of trance up through Christmas Eve. I was the oldest of the five grandkids, and after dinner when everyone was gathered and talking (I don't know where the younger kids were), I'd open the sliding door to the deck and step out into the dark trees and foggy cold where I'd belt out every Christmas carol I could think of (by myself, to myself) to commune with nature, I guess. Yes, I was a very daydreamy kid, but I have wonderful memories because of it. This explains where my romance with Christmas began. I only hope I can create that same sense of wonder for another little girl or boy some day.
When it comes to Christmas Eve, there are many ways for families to celebrate--cookies for Santa, singing carols, matching pajama sets, a favorite Christmas movie, even a visit from the man in red (my dad or uncle). In Germany for instance, Christmas is celebrated in full on the 24th. During the day friends drop by for gluhwein and a sweet. That evening everyone gathers around the tree, sings Christmas songs and opens all the presents before the Christmas meal. Every family, culture and country have their own unique traditions.
I read recently that there's a charming and cherished tradition in Iceland called Jolabokaflod--"Christmas book flood". Books are exchanged as Christmas Eve presents. They can be any type of book, from novels to cookbooks. And it's not just about giving and receiving new books--it's also about the reading. After the excitement of unwrapping a new book, Icelanders spend the rest of the evening cozying up by the fire with family and a cup of hot chocolate or tucked into bed with Jolabokaflod chocolates and reading into the night by oneself. It sounds quaint, simple, even innocent--and it might not dazzle our children--but it's an excellent way to get them away from screens (even books on screens) and turn that pre-Christmas buildup into a calm and quiet evening, before the thrill of Christmas morning. It's an idea anyone can incorporate into their Christmas Eve activities.
As for gift giving, there are many viewpoints. Of course it's mostly about the kids; most of us adults don't need or want much. After a stocking full of small trinkets and maybe a candy cane, it makes sense to me that children should get a present from each member of the family (possibly supplemented for an only child) and then a couple special gifts from Santa. But of course, every family has their own guidelines. As kids get older, give up the Santa myth, and get more practical, gift-giving adjusts. I recently read on another blog (cat@rh-france.com) that her family has a limit of five gifts per person--one thing they want, something to read, something to play, something to wear, and something to share. That seems a very sensible approach and covers all the bases.
Then there's the question of whether Santa's gifts are wrapped or just appear on Christmas morning under the tree straight from the workshop. But they definitely should not be wrapped, labeled and under the tree before Christmas Eve--for the sake of believers! And there's even varying protocol on gift opening--everyone opening and sharing as they go, versus taking turns (which admittedly is less practical for large families).
Holiday traditions are a big part of my memories and the sentiment I feel during the season. How families choose to celebrate is as individual as each family, and creates that family's traditions. Deciding what traditions to celebrate and pass on--for any occasion--is one of the most meaningful and satisfying decisions parents make for their children and grandchildren.
Previously published on December 17, but not sent out due to a glitch in domain service.
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