Family traditions are an important part of our culture. They tie together generations and allow us to pay homage to those, amongst other things, we can’t sit with at the dinner table.
From a very young age, my mother taught my sister and I to hold on to traditions, create some of our own and value atmosphere. (not necessarily in that order).
For example, every night, no matter how busy we were with school, sports or dance, we lit candles, put on some music and ate dinner together as a family even if it was for five minutes.
These are the things I will carry on with me as I start a family of my own.
Specifically for the Holidays, she took decorating our house very seriously and instilled in me the need to continue that in my own home.
As you know, I grew up in the Midwest where space and square footage reign supreme, so although my heart wants to buy the same 12 foot tree we get during Thanksgiving at my parents home every year, reality says 3.5 feet it is.
This is quite a change from my childhood but now my home is where my husband is. So my decorating remedy for our “tiny dwelling” is to fill it with Christmas accents and adorn our tree with family keepsakes.
Ever since I was small, my Mother has given my sister and I an ornament in our stocking. They varied each year in size, shape and significance but the point was she was helping us a create a timeline of all of our Christmas’ spent together as a family.
Growing up I didn’t take it very seriously, as I was much more interested in the mountain of gifts under the tree, but I realize now just how special they are.
Each year when I decorate our tree, a part of me gets to revisit those moments and remember that family, friends, love and time are the most important aspects of life.
These ornaments tell the story of where I came from. When my husband and I have children, I will carry this tradition on for them. After all, it is the small things that remain the most meaningful.
Luella says…Confessions of a Christmas Tree.
I would love to know what some of your family Holiday traditions are?
What do you treasure the most during this Christmas season?
Just a reminder that Christmas and New Years go by so fast . In this economy, when not everyone can give what they are used to, take a couple of moments to recognize what you are truly thankful for.
It is more important to be present rather than to give presents.
Related Articles
- Family Christmas Traditions (kleenexmums.com.au)
- Our Christmases are a smorgasbord of immigrant traditions (theglobeandmail.com)
- Cutting a live tree can be a cherished family holiday tradition. Here’s how. (seattletimes.nwsource.com)
Art Deco. 
Scandanavian Retreat. 
Luella says... 
