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Christmas Traditions

Posted on Dec. 24, 2007 by Ann White

My family and I watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” each year, either on Thanksgiving evening or on the next Sunday afternoon when we put up our Christmas tree. I always serve homemade cranberry sauce in the cut glass bowl my Grandmother gave me, and we all gather at my Daddy’s house on Christmas Eve to sing, laugh, eat and exchange presents (we never know when Santa might drop by!). These are some of my family’s cherished traditions, things that make the season special for us, things I can’t imagine Christmas without.

Some traditions are not planned. For example, an impromptu trip to look at Christmas lights has quickly become a much anticipated annual event. Additionally, when I crocheted a poinsettia afghan almost 20 years ago, I had no idea that my family would come to regard its appearance on the couch as a signal that the Christmas season had officially arrived. Even though it is beginning to look a little shabby, it just wouldn’t be Christmas at my house without it.

Traditions can also change. I no longer help my children write letters to Santa. We have an artificial tree now because it is more practical,; however, I miss our trips into the woods and watching my little boys struggle with a saw to cut down a fragrant cedar tree.

But some things never change. I love to see my granddaughter Autumn’s eyes sparkle as she tells me she hopes Santa will bring her a baby doll for Christmas, just like her mama’s did over 20 years ago. My mother is no longer with us, but I will continue to prepare her special recipes and place her teddy bear collection under my tree, keeping her favorite traditions alive.

No matter if they are old or new, traditions bring us together in a shared experience of love and joy. Maybe this year I will start a new tradition and ask my granddaughter Devin to help me make granny squares for a new Christmas afghan. We can put it on the couch along with the poinsettia afghan. No matter how shabby that old afghan gets, I just can’t replace it. After all, it just wouldn’t be Christmas without it!

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