New work, new family members and the rapid passing of time make the usual family traditions difficult to achieve, but simple rituals will warm our Christmas
This Christmas, it has been a challenge to uphold the family seasonal traditions. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we don't even have a Christmas tree put up this year, nor many decorations inside or outside. Because of new work and pressing time, this is the first year in decades that we have not kept to the historic family rituals. We may feel festive but we certainly don't look it. And the time is hurtling along so fast, that Christmas will be long gone in mere hours.
With our children grown and having kids of their own, our home is no longer the historic centre place of the family holiday. That has, of natural course, switched to the children's home. But, we are lucky that we all continue to live in the same area. We will still manage to gather for the gift-giving tradition of opening presents in the morning with cherished family. The dinner traditions of roasted turkey, savoury stuffing, and mashed potatoes under delicious gravy will be adhered to. Homemade apple and pumpkin pie will fill in the tiny spaces left in our stomachs after the meal, and then great discussions as the feast dishes are cleaned and put away. I find these simple rituals comforting and necessary, a form of family history.
Do you have Christmas traditions passed down through family history, or does your holiday change with each year?
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and may your home be filled with warm traditions of the season.
