I've decided to make Thursdays my "Question of the Week" day because I always have questions and am always interested in people's answers.
This Week's Question: What is/was your favorite holiday tradition?
For me, the holidays have changed drastically since I was a child. As a child, the magic of Santa and the elves we hung over the fake fireplace have been replaced with years where I put up no tree because it's just me and year where I over decorated because I could.
Even the years I haven't put up a tree, I've loved this time of year. The hustle, the bustle and the decorations always put a smile on my face.
As a child, I remember going to midnight mass on Christmas Eve and when we arrived home we were allowed to open one gift and my mother put out a meat/pork pie out for the tasting.
I don't know the name of the actual meat/pork pie, but it is a French Canadian tradition. I was one of the few members of the family who loved this pie and as my mom got older, she stopped making it for one or two people.
I never thought to ask my mom for this recipe and now, with her Alzheimer's, it's too late.
I wish I had this recipe.
As an adult, my traditions appear to be ever changing. I married Bill in October 2008 and opened our home to a Christmas Day buffet. We both love to cook and enjoy loved ones in our home. However, one constant tradition has happened for the past 20 years....the tacky Chinese grab bag gift.
Adults always had the grab bag where you buy for another person, but the tacky Chinese grab bag allowed my nephews to join in the fun with the adults. As the youngest of 5, I loved when I was able to participate in what the adults did.
I'm still looking for the perfect gaudy gift. It's always great when you brought the tackiest gift to Christmas...in fact, it's a high honour in my family. Besides, who wouldn't want to brag they brought the tackiest gift.
By the way....my husband was so proud of his $25 date that he thought I should have the question for the week be -- Is My Husband a Genius?
20 comments:
My favorite holiday tradition is baking cookies with my mom. We haven't done it in years, but I think I'm going to put in a special request this year!
My favorite holiday tradition used to be traveling to see all of my mom's side or all of my dad's side. It was so much fun to do the holidays with others. Since we all got older, had jobs, school and various other obligations we haven't gotten together for the holidays in a long time. I love the idea of the big family gathering under one tree and lots of cooking.
Hopefully, I will be able to establish something for my family in the future. Though it will most likely involve hanukkah and not christmas. Unless the boy changes his mind and decides to do both.
Were the meat pies like these? If so, I can probably find you a recipe for them as my family is french canadian on both sides and meat pie lovers on both sides!
http://www.natchitochesmeatpies.com/pies-empanadas.htm
I don't really have one now that Youngest Daughter knows I'm Santa. She was my last "believer."
I like the lights on the tree. My new favorite holiday tradition might be letting the girls decorate the tree. They really do love it.
Look for that recipe online. I have found almost recipe I ever searched. I even found Tater Tot Casserole for my favorite Aunt.
I think your hubby is a genius! He married you didn't he? ;)
Hugs!!
Green-Eyed Momster
your hubby is a genius. please continue to share his wisdom...smiles. a couple years ago we started making mexican and then going out for frosties when we put the tree up...mass funage.
we also give a gift card to a single parent family in the area to let them do christmas for their kids...always fun to hear what they got.
My favorite tradition is the cold cuts/cheese and crackers buffet we do on Christmas eve. There's lots of other stuff on it, but everything is cold/deli type stuff. Then we open a few presents from each other ('cause Santa will be bringing stuff for the morning) while drinking champagne or sparkling cider.
My favorite Christmas tradition was the big family get together on Christmas eve at my grandma's house. There were so many people at that we would run out of chairs. People sat on the floor, hearth, anywhere there was space! It was such a loud and crazy atmosphere with tons of food and fun. I really, really miss it.
I like your idea about the tacky Chinese grab bag! How fun!
dang it, Barb beat me. That's what I was going to say, I love the cold cut dinner even better than Christmas dinner. And good desserts too.
and of course the alcohol.
My Mom's family always does dollar gifts, a roll of half used toilet paper was the best, until my mom found these gold metallic boxers and gave them to my grandmother.
HO HO HO! No matter what tradition that you chose, I was always there! Merry Christmas!
With children now grown and homes of their own, we too are changing holiday traditions!
My fondest tradition was when our little family would sit around Christmas morning and feast on homemade swedish tea ring while opening our stockings first, then gifts!
I loved when we played board games or cards. Remember when we used to play Mystery Date?
The thing I liked about Christmas as a kid was looking at the Christmas tree at night with the lights glowing and listening to the christmas "record" that my mom had playing. Those are fond memories.
As for your husband being a genius? sure. He figured out that he couldn't live without you...and then married you.
A chinese finger trap is the PERFECT holiday gift!
It's really interesting how your traditions have evolved. In a lot of ways, my beloved traditions are really my own. When I was a child, things never seemed to go very well and happy holidays were a dream, unfulfilled. So I remember little things: getting up before dawn on Christmas and starting a fire in the fireplace and looking at the lit Christmas tree in silence by myself; getting lost in playing Christmas carols on piano; making the pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving morning. (Yes, that's all I could think of for Christmas so I had to go back one holiday.)
Now, my Christmas eve services at church are a must; baking Christmas cookies is essential; and putting out my nativity scene and my Santa collection also make me feel Christmassy. I think I feel a blog entry of my own coming on!
For me it's all about the Christmas specials. At 44, Charlie Brown and the Grinch still get me all choked up...
Mine is watching the Grinch and going to see the Christmas lights.
The other day as we were going through the drive out of In-N-Out, I told my husband about your $25 dollar date. He really liked it. It may be in our future.
Mine is always the new Years diet which starts on either Jan 1st or Jan 2nd each year!
We did midnight service too and then got to open one gift on Christmas Eve.
I am so sorry about the recipe. I wish you could get it too.
Herding Cats – I used to make cutouts with my sister and my mom as a kid. It was a wonderful tradition and I hope you start doing it again.
BakerGirl – Thanks so much for the link, but not sure if that was it. Just think, you’ll be able to form new traditions with your fiancé.
Tracey – Having a child who believes must be the best, but what a great tradition to let your girls decorate.
Brian Miller – LOL… He’s happy that everyone agrees with him. I love your traditions. Who doesn’t love a frostie and giving to others, who can’t give for themselves.
Thank you for sharing such a wonderful tradition.
Barb – I could see why. No checking the stove, no major cleanups giving you time to enjoy the actual holiday.
Tasha – I love the multiple conversations when you have so many people gathered together. I just listening to everyone.
rxBambi - LOL. It sounds like a great tradition.
MamaOtwins+1 –The roll of ½ used toilet paper is hysterical and very practical. Bet grandma still has them.
Santa Claus – Very true.
Leslee – What is Swedish tea ring? I’m going to google that.
DB – I have Mystery Date. The version that resembles the original we used to play.
Sunshine Mama – I loved doing that every night. I would get to plug in the tree and just sit and stare at it before I was called to dinner. I’ve adopted your mom’s tradition and make my husband sit through dinner listening to Christmas music.
Mr. Condescending – We’ve done that.
Erin P –I’m sorry your childhood memories weren’t the best, but it sounds as though you did a great job changing them into ones you love today.
SillyStud – ya know, Charlie Brown is on tomorrow – I also know you love when you’re able to put up your tree.
Kys – I’ve never gone to a tree lighting ceremony and should.
Unknown Mami – My husband will be so thrilled to hear this…but don’t forget the Colt 45 and 2 straws.
Secretia – I thought you were going to say, starts on 1/1 and ends on ½.
JennyMac – I loved that tradition. Even though I was going to open my gifts a few hours later, opening that one gift was always the most fun.
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