Tri-County News

Setting some new holiday traditions


We’re easing into the big-holiday thing with George. A little this year – we have to start somewhere – and then we can add a bit more every year. Last year, we arrived home with him from overseas on Thanksgiving night. Between a new dog and a new child, we just knew we weren’t going to bother with a Christmas tree or decorations or anything. We were still getting into the swing of parenthood and all. So this past weekend we dug out the artificial tree. (We’re just not up to a “real” one this year.) Had to buy lights and string popcorn, and we already had lots of ornaments to decorate it. George was simply enthralled with the whole process. Seeing Christmas through three-year-old eyes is one of the true joys of being around kids. George saw his first Santa Claus in-person (and wasn’t scared once he found out there was a toy car for him in the deal). He and I went shopping for the tree lights. We haven’t come close to the wrapping presents stage, but I’m sure he’ll go totally nuts. Viewing the world through the innocent eyes of a child can keep you young and sharp. I highly recommend it! Some of my fondest holiday memories were simple ones – making Christmas cookies with mom, and making ornaments out of construction paper, glue and glitter. I wanted to share this with George, so we made some very simple ornaments. Didn’t hold his attention long; he’d rather play with his new car from Santa than sit still and use glitter glue. It’s a boy/girl thing. Here are some of the “new traditions” for Christmas in our house. Scented candles burning and Christmas music playing. Stringing popcorn (and eating more than we string). Decorating the tree. Cleaning up afterward. George is delighted by his tree, especially when the lights are plugged in. He liked the music, but he’d rather be singing along with his new favorite (The Best of Queen, of all things). We forgot the hot cocoa, although we did have the mini-marshmallows to go with it. Perhaps next year we’ll be ready for a real tree. Meanwhile, this one is real enough. We’ll have much more time than money to spend this holiday season, but what greater gift can you give your family? In our multi-cultural family, we celebrate all the Christmas holidays. (Rather than compromise, we combine.) Dec. 25 is “western” Christmas, Jan. 1 is our “big” holiday, and Jan. 6 is Orthodox Christmas. The tree stays up until Jan. 6. This means that we have nearly a month of “Christmas” ahead of us. What a treat! I cherish every moment of it with George. I hope some of these traditions become fond memories of his childhood. And some day he’ll be thinking about traditions to start with his children. Ya just gotta love it!

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