With generations of family living in Northern Virginia, our tradition centered around copious meals and visits with grandparents, aunts and uncles and lots of cousins. We picked out a live tree every year from the family woods outside of Culpeper and made our list for Santa based on the FAO Schwarz catalog.
But families have dispersed. I now use a potted tree rather than a cut tree, which my son described as a "Charlie Brown" Christmas tree. But are we ever too old for toys?
We have abandoned the Christmas morning breakfast (bacon, eggs, toast), which kept the cook in the kitchen while everyone else opened presents. Now, anything goes. Mom started the tradition of ice cream sandwiches, which seem to be popular with the kids. We have not abandoned the early morning wake-up call to open presents. My sister called at 7:15 this morning. I really think it's pay-back for all those years my kids woke her at 5 or 6 a.m. . . .
We've abandoned the tradition of copious holiday meals (turkey and ham, dressing, gravies and sauces or way too many vegetables) and hours slaving in the kitchen on Christmas Day. Now, the Christmas Eve meal is potluck (which means friends slave in the kitchen) and caters to varied tastes (vegan, vegetarian and traditional). This year, we had salmon, sweet potato enchiladas, roasted vegetables and several desserts . . . . Other years, we have had sushi.
For years, I tried to incorporate a few French traditions--a late-night meal, numerous dishes, each of which required a change of plates, numerous wines and the bûche de noël. I have abandoned fois gras because of what the goose has to endure. Given that many dishes are purchased at the French deli or bakery, these require living in France.
In terms of decor, my clay figurines (known as santons) used in Provencal nativity scenes have lost legs or heads. I do hope to start a tradition of one nice ornament each year.
I still watch my favorite Christmas specials on TV. And I usually go to the "Christmas Carol" performed at the Hippodrome. At least one actor has been in each performance for the last 34 years. Others have appeared regularly. For me, this play signals the beginning of the holiday season.
Some traditions, I hope to revive such as having friends over to paint ornaments.
Do you have old or new traditions you can share?
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