#24 Postby azskyman » Wed Dec 17, 2003 7:40 am
Growing up, Christmas Eve was always time at home with a fire in the fireplace and all of us at home just "revving up" the excitement.
Christmas Day started with dad starting a fire in the fireplace and once it was going we could find our way down the hall and out to the tree. Gift opening was methodical...rotating who got to hand them out each year, and then rotating how we opened them. We stretched it out as long as we could. Afterward, we made stops to three different cousin's homes for coffee cake and breakfast and to share in the fun. At night, my parents and youngest uncle and his family would have a turkey dinner and play 500...while the cousins simpy wore ourselves out after a long long day.
In adult years, with our own kids, Christmas eve was spent at my sister's house for many years. Ham sandwiches were on the menu and we had a gift exchange among our kids. That went on for about 18 years.
These days, we'll see how tradition evolves but this year granny and poppysky are heading to San Diego to be with Emma, our first grandchild. Last Christmas was a disaster, so this promises to be a lot more fun.
Along the way, Christmas eve candlelight services at church have been an on-again, off-again situation...often based on weather more than anything else.
0 likes