Christmas Eve Traditions

Christmas Eve is a special time for our family. Gathering at my son’s home (the largest space) we start mid-afternoon in the kitchen setting out a generous spread of crackers & cheese, breads & spreads, petite quiches (spinach, mushroom, meat, and cheese), veggies & dips, meats, nuts, olives, and whatever other special ideas might merit table space. Usually just short of a dozen of us, on the luckiest of occasions we have joyously topped that number.

After stuffing ourselves we gather in the front room by the fireplace where all our Christmas stockings are carefully arranged and where we will participate in our holiday card exchange. Everyone writes personal messages on individual cards for every member of the family, creating a little stack for each of us. An unhurried time follows of silent reading often punctuated by an Aww! or a chuckle or quietly mouthing Thank you! to the author.

Softened and enlarged by this lovely experience we are ready to unpack our bulging stockings, acknowledging that Santa must have made some adjustments to accommodate our family’s unique timing. Long ago we decided that it just took too long on Christmas morning to both empty stockings and unwrap presents since we honor each family member, children and adults alike, by focusing solely on them as they receive their treasures.

Finally, after random, happy laughter and animated chatter, we move back into the kitchen for our foremost task of the evening –the decorating of freshly baked Christmas cookies. We all take part creating traditional and elaborate designs for these time-honored treats. Watching my grandchildren jostle over the seriously ample decorative supplies, I am reminded of my son around age five covered in streaks of red and green and multicolored sprinkles, looking a lot like a cookie himself, so delighted with his handiwork. He’s the one who insists we decorate cookies on Christmas Eve.

Everyone sorely missed getting together last year during the pandemic, especially for the Holidays. We are all fully vaccinated now and boosted when possible, and we are more than ready to make up for lost time –starting with Christmas Eve. Then, having kicked off the Season with our happy traditions, we will greet Christmas Day with equal exuberance. Feasting, playing games (Pictionary a favorite!), taking a walk if possible, resting, enjoying some serious conversations, reveling in our mutual love for one another. Readying ourselves for the close of a tumultuous year and a fresh start to a new year that is hopefully moving in the right direction.