Growing up my family had the typical traditions centered around the Christmas holiday. We hung stockings. We set out goodies for Santa and his reindeer. We got our parents up at the crack of dawn (not knowing they had just fallen asleep after assembling various gifts). One thing my parents did that I will always remember because it was so magical. We would have a live tree each year. It wouldn't come into the house until Dec. 24th. My father was in charge of the lights. Other than that when we went to bed it was not decorated. It was always so wonderful to wake up and see the tree with tinsle and ornaments just sparkling and shining. We were told that Santa took care of it! (I sure wish Santa would come take care of my poor litte 4 ft. tree that is sitting in the corner of my living room!)
Every Christmas eve, we would eat fish. We would even have shrimp...such an extravagance!! It would be ham for dinner the next day, and the next day, and the next day.
My traditions with my own children are similar. One thing we started doing when they were very young was reading "The Polar Express" and listening for the bells. We would also make a birthday cake for Jesus because, after all, it was His special day! My daughter (at 16) still puts out a plate for Santa...I must confess it keeps the little girl inside of me alive.
Merry Christmas and God bless!
