So here we are, in the
midst of another holiday season. Some were early this year, some were late. Some are still waiting. The whirlwind of the
season is exhausting, exhilarating and exciting. Half the time, I enjoy all the
hullabaloo, the other half of the time, I wish it was over already. I like to
shop, but with a deadline and a lot of people on my list, it isn't as enjoyable
than "I feel like buying a new dress" shopping. Not to mention that
it's killer on the feet!
Actually, one thing
about this season that's worked in my favor is the fact that I am still
unemployed. When I was working, I would take a day off, usually a Friday, and
start at 9:00, hit every mall in the area (and if you live in Bergen County,
you know that's a LOT of malls), plus a few stand-alone stores, and wrap it up
close to 5:00. I'd manage to cram in just about everyone and have only a few
leftover to pick up on shorter excursions. This year, I've been able to spread
it to one mall a day, with a couple stand alones here and there. So there is
that.
But there's still lots
more to be done. In our house, we did away with the real Christmas tree several
years ago and bought a really nice artificial. We were so tired of lugging the
tree, trimming it to fit, vacuuming several times a week, checking the water,
and so on. Ugh. This artificial tree looks just as nice, plus it's pre-lit, so
it's easy in that regard. Only have to hang the beads and ornaments. Years ago,
when we had a cat, tinsel and tinsel garland were out of the question because
she used to munch on it, which is very very bad for cats. So we used strings of
beads, all different shapes and sizes, in gold. And they look really really
pretty.
I also set up a
Christmas in the City village on my bay window, complete with fake snow and a
bunch of people. I even have the Brooklyn Bridge on a side table to lead the
way toward Ebbets Field. My kids like that part the best, and I have an
assortment of Santas that adorn the dining room table. It makes the house feel
festive.
We also bake cookies. I
make all kinds – toffee bars, pecan pie squares, chocolate-drizzled sponge
squares, raspberry ribbon cookies, and so on. This year, unemployment is again taking
a load off for me – I don't have to make nearly as many as I usually do, since
I always brought a giant platter of them to the office to share with coworkers
and thank them for all their support.
And don't forget the
holiday cards! Must make time to do that.
As far as Christmas, it
has always worked out well for us. My husband's family has always had their big
celebration on Christmas Eve, with the traditional Italian Seven Fishes dinner,
though I think we're down to four now since some of the items on the menu in
years past were made specifically for certain people, who sadly are no longer
with us. It's always an enjoyable evening, and the kids just keep the
excitement level at fever pitch. Of course, we must be home in time for Santa
to come. My little guy is still a believer (I think), though I suspect those
days are almost over.
Christmas Day has
always been my family's traditional gathering day. My parents host and it's fun
to see everyone who doesn't live close. Again, kids are crazed, but by the time
we have dinner, they are calmer. Plus, A Christmas Story marathon is on, and
everyone at one point or another ends up seeing the whole movie, even if it's
not sequentially.
I like keeping the traditions
alive, there's a comfort in them, a familiarity as we move through the season
that makes everyone smile (usually). Of course, there are the usual school
concerts, other holiday parties and the like in the midst of all of this. It's
no wonder we all drop like stones in the water on December 26.
Still, each one of
those traditions has evolved a little each year as the kids get older and can
do more things. My daughter spends New Year's Eve with her friends now, instead
of us, the cards have changed from going for a holiday portrait to taking our
own and using Vistaprint and having them pre-signed, cookie recipes have been
swapped out for newer ones, things like that. So as much as it's the same, it's
also different and new, which adds to the fun. Or is it more like insanity?
So what are your traditions?
The best, or the worst? Have they stayed the same, changed, or disappeared
altogether? I've got a few things we don't do anymore, but never fear, I will
always wear my reindeer antlers and giant jingle bells. In the spirit of the
season, I'm giving away a goodie bag of swag and some things from my prize
chest, as well as a few books. So tell me about your holiday traditions and you
could win a present from me!
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