A Season of Memories

The holiday season is generally thought to be a time of giving and family. Some people celebrate with their relatives, and some with the family they've found in life.

Every family has traditions that get passed down through the years, and I adore those that come with my family.

For as long as I can remember, my mom has made these wreaths for neighbors. They're basically Rice Krispies Treats only made with Corn Flakes and dyed green. While newly formed and still warm, they get little cinnamon candies put on them for holly berries. Sometimes she'd use icing to pipe on a bow. Then she'd fill the center with treats like fudge or candy. We always kept a few for my family, and we'd devour one on Christmas Day.

My parents always fixed up our stockings the same way: tangerine in the toe, filled with very specific candy in the foot, a small gift in the leg, and candy canes hooked over the top. They'd set the stockings next to the fireplace hearth, and each stocking would be leaned against a calendar. I loved getting the calendars because my mom always got really nice ones that each person would enjoy.

Before bed on Christmas Eve, we could pick one gift and open it. It was always best if we opened something we could use that night like pajamas or slippers. But opening a new toy was exciting, too.

Christmas morning, we were allowed to explore our stockings before my parents woke, but nothing else. Santa always gave each of us a new ornament for the tree. My younger brother and I would hunt for the new ornaments and dive into our stockings while we waited for my parents. Once they got up, we'd tear into the presents.

Breakfast was always buttered toast dipped in hot chocolate chased by much candy while we played with our new toys. My mom would spend all day cooking dinner, always including a beef roast, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and asparagus, though the rest of the menu changed year to year. We'd have pie for dessert and even more candy. Bedtime was happy at the end of the magical day that is Christmas.

It was a special day, and I have good memories of my childhood Christmases.

Things grew more difficult and less happy after my parents divorced. As an adult, until I married and moved across the country, I'd spend a few hours with my dad on Christmas. The majority of the time was spent with my mom. I'd go to her house, an hour away from mine, on Christmas Eve and spend the night. We'd open presents in the morning and have an elaborate breakfast. I'd go to my dad's for a few hours, then back to my mom's for the rest of the day. We'd spend the day visiting and talking, and my mom would cook a feast for dinner. Usually turkey since my stepdad dislikes beef and I dislike ham.

I'd leave either that night or in the morning to go back to my apartment and angry cat.

For the first six years of my marriage, we spent the holiday with my mom's sister and her family who used to live in the area. They had their own traditions, and I always felt on the periphery. My husband and I were each given a small gift while they spent hundreds of dollars on their children and each other. We ate my uncle's spectacular feast and visited while their kids played with their gifts. While we were welcome and wanted, I never felt like I belonged there on the holiday.

My aunt and uncle have moved away. Our last Christmas with them was in 2017. They live almost a thousand miles away now. We are alone in the area without anyone else to spend the holiday with. I have a tree that I decorate and other decorations around the house. We don't have much money, so we don't do many gifts. I cook a nice dinner for the two of us, and we might watch a Christmas movie.

However, I have all the ornaments Santa gave me and hang most of them on my tree—the ones that aren't too fragile many years after their purchase. I make the wreaths and fudge, sometimes giving some to the neighbors, but always a few for us. My husband loves them, and I like making them. They bring a little bit of my mom into my Christmas.

Adulthood always brings new traditions as the childhood ones fade, and when we combine our lives with a partner, new traditions begin. Life evolves and so do holiday celebrations. I hope to one day be able to bring more of my childhood traditions into a growing family.

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Yuletide, Happy Kwanza, or any other holiday you may celebrate. I wish you the best this holiday season.

While I enjoy the lights of my tree, I will also enjoy this fireplace video by The Silent Watcher.

Photo Credits via freedigialphotos.net:

"Christmas Background" by phasinphoto

"Santa On Sleigh with One Reindeer With Christmas Tree Background" by topstep07

"Christmas Baked Duck Served with Potatoes, Orange, and Tomatoes" by Serge Bertasius Photography

"Christmas Background" by Pansa