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?
