Background picture from Pixabay
by Kelli Bowen
As a kid, I have many fond memories of Christmas. I remember going to my Great Grandmother’s house and playing with her cat figurines and being offered sandbakkels, which as a kid wasn’t that thrilling, but now is one of my favorite treats.
I remember “dancing” with my grandpa - standing on his cowboy boots while he danced around. Later that night, he’d be mixing ice cream on the back porch on Christmas Eve. These things made quite an impression on me, as I was younger than five, so these are pre-school memories burned into my brain.
I asked Hubby what he remembers from childhood Christmas. Did he have any traditions? He said they’d go to his grandma’s every Christmas Eve, but there weren’t any actions or foods that he’d call tradition. He just remembered his family would all be together.
Now when I ask my girls what they most look forward to at Christmas, I hear “Santa” and “being with family.” I get hints that there are some specific things the girls look forward to, though.
Last year we went out in the driveway and rang bells to guide Santa to our house. Miss E has already asked if we get to do that again.
We all give each other gifts, and the girls have been allowed to choose whatever they think Hubby and I will want. One year I received a big glittery candy cane lawn ornament. Last year I received a gnome. Hubby has gotten an economy-pack of batteries (“Dad likes batteries”) and usually he’ll get a new Lego set from Miss A. Conveniently, Miss A also loves Legos.
Not all traditions seem to be long-run, we are on the look out for new ones as well. This year we started both advent calendars and the elf on a shelf (her name is Tinsel). Both seem to be big hits.
As far as food traditions, Miss E NEEDS her lefse, Miss A loves the cookies, I enjoy cider or a spiked cocoa Christmas morning and am onboard with Hubby’s answer to “What’s your favorite Christmas food?” “Most of it.”
Whether talking to Hubby or the kids, the favorite traditions are the ones steeped in family. Take away the games, food, bells, and even *gasp* lefse, and it’s still Christmas, so whether we’re eating turkey, bowling, drinking or sledding, as long as we have a little family time, we are enjoying our tradition.
Merry Christmas to your family! May you enjoy (or create) more traditions this year!!
Kelli makes her home in Cass County with her husband, two daughters (8 and 5) and two dogs. She works for a regional seed company by day and tries to be an alright mom, wife, friend and writer by night.
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