Christmas Traditions 2011
What is the first thing that you think of when you see the word ‘Christmas traditions 2011’ or just the word ‘Christmas’ in print?
Is it the smell of cookies baking? Twinkle lights proudly gleaming on their evergreen perch? All of the deals you might snag on the over-publicized Black Friday? Or is it something – or rather Someone much more precious?
Christmas conjures up all sorts of images and thoughts in our minds. A Christmas tree with all the trimmings and presents piled high beneath it. Tables laden with a center piece that is a perfectly cooked turkey and every mouth-watering side dish that goes with it, snowflakes falling gently through the air blanketing the landscape in a dazzling coating of white. Salvation Army buckets outside of stores entrance or Santa Clause sitting at the mall patiently listening to children’s wish lists. Fireplaces crackling with bright cheeriness, cups of hot cocoa with marshmallows on a cold winter’s evening or a Christmas album blaring on the stereo. Whatever pops into our heads when thinking of the holiday, we all have traditions that mean something to us amidst the hustle-bustle of the season that should be anything but taxing.
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Christmas Traditions 2011 #fromthearchives Share on XA stereotype cliché of the season is that American’s bury themselves under an enormous amount of stress in the quest to make the ideal holiday party, find that elusive perfect gift or get our holiday packages mailed out in time for the receiver to take delight in them on Christmas morning… and why do we do that? We really don’t have to have it “all together” or put on the “perfect” party – no one expects that anyway. I don’t think I can say that something the holidays brings “stresses” me out (after all, the season is a joyful one). However I’m sometimes annoyed by my own irresponsibility for neglecting to start on a handmade project sooner or complete my shopping long before the week leading up to Christmas day.
Christmas conjures up a whole host of memories and traditions at my house. My personality doesn’t mesh well with a lot of busyness so I always relish in the “small stuff.” Sometimes it’s buying one of my holiday secret indulgences like Oreo cookies, and sometimes it’s thinking about all the people who are special to me. Each year I anticipate not only the fact that Christmas means my dad takes off time from work but digging out my dusty Christmas CD collection. (I have “strict” rules about listening to the Christmas genre only during the holiday season.) One that ranges from Christian and light pop to country, then blaring the volume (so loud that my dad usually laughs at me. *grin*) and hauling down the boxes overflowing with glittery decorations in order to properly decorate the tree.
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What I most definitely do not enjoy is untangling a years worth of lights and stringing them on, rather awkwardly, the tree. After that the tree usually stays up a good portion of January. Another one of my most favorite seasonal pastimes (as you probably have picked up on) is watching sappy Christmas movies. Every Christmas Eve, my family opens one gift then stays up late into the night watching movies. Prior to that I scour Amazon to find out which Hallmark films will be on DVD; needless to say, I end up with about a dozen new Christmas flicks before everything is over.
Lately, I’ve come to realize that this season is different for me. In fact, in the last three months, I’ve changed. Each year, I determine that I’m going to be “on top of things”; that this will be the year when I’m done with everything in record time. My priorities and realities are certainly different going into this season… now I feel… more focused. As a result, I’m looking forward to this season with much anticipation. (Despite my complaining that I should have more of the shopping done!) I cannot believe that 2011 is nearing its close but next to autumn weather, Christmas is my most favorite time. I relish what it stands for and in a trait given me by my mother I get such joy out of finding the perfect gift for another – in giving.
Wherever you’ll be travelling or whoever you may be spending this Christmas with, remember the Reason for this beautiful season. Don’t lose sight of the meaning this holiday represents, and those Christmas traditions 2011.
What do traditions mean to you? What are some of your most-loved ‘Christmas Traditions 2011’?
…now, the only question remaining is – did you get in on some of those Black Friday deals? *grin* Merry Christmas to each and every one of you… may your season be overflowing with joys that cannot be found on store selves.
Great post, Rissi! ;)
Really enjoyed reading this…the music, the Oreos (now I reeeally want some; thanks. ;) ) and the family…I'm alot like you in the way that I treasure the small things. Not as crazy about the hustle and bustle. ;)
I enjoy the holidays but also find them a little bit stressful — even though I'm one of those over-achievers who usually has gifts purchased in advance. I had one project dangling over my head, but finished it up on Friday so now I can… relax! Enjoy my week off, enjoy Christmas, and not rush or fuss or freak out.
Our family's only real tradition is that we open presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning. This may indeed serve us well this year considering Christmas falls on a Sunday! Church is non-negotiable year around, holiday or not. I do try and squeeze in a few holiday films the week before Christmas, though I have fallen behind of late. I need to finish "Hogfather," and I'd like to watch "Love, Actually" (ClearPlay!) by the end of the week. Plus, all the Christmas episodes of my favorite shows!
Black Friday was glorious. Actually, all the Christmas sales have spoiled me immensely this year — I bought the Extended Editions of The Lord of the Rings on BluRay for 60% off. Now THAT is something to celebrate. ;)
Meghan – thanks. I am so glad you stopped by – it has been far too long, girl. =)
There is always joy in the "small stuff," so I do treasure those times – those are the moments that mean the most.
The Oreo Candy Cane Cookies are yummy, albeit not good for you. ;D (Very festive, too.)
Charity – I manged to get a couple of tasks completed in the last two few days, which is awesome. Unfortunately, I am not at the point you are at where I have nothing left on my check list… but I am attempting to get there.
Christmas movies… I still have half a dozen lying around that I need to watch but I've started two "new" TV series, so yeah, that doesn't help things. ;D Enjoy those Christmas episodes – they are always my favorites.
I really didn't shop on Black Friday. Last year I did but this year… I don't know, it just never happened. In my family, we all have some "bigger" gift requests this year, so our wish lists might not be fulfilled until post Christmas, but we're all good with that.
Enjoy your week off! And, do take your advice: spend it relaxing. =)
Traditions for my family have adapted over the years. When we were younger and lived near family, we opened gifts on Christmas Eve, had family over…….but things are different now.
For us, we make a peppermint cheesecake every year. It's one of the things I most look forward to food wise (along with the orange bread and broccoli casserole we do =))
We watch "The Natvity Story" on Christmas Eve and "It's a Wonderful Life" on Christmas night. This year, though, we are going out to dinner and the movies. I guess it is a fun thing to switch things up.
Because of school and work, I haven't gotten to do holiday baking….but that awaits come Wednesday =D
But, don't they [traditions] always, Ella… I don't really like change. My family has done different things over the years, but for the last several, we've been able to arrange it so we are home on Christmas Eve and day where we spend the days together rather than with extended family (whom we love, of course).
I wouldn't want to go out on Christmas because of the busyness – especially to the movies! You are brave, girl. ;D Saw one today though, in the A.M., and the theater was nearly empty (just the way I like it). Never did really warm to The Nativity Story and I don't know why. Haven't seen "Wonderful Life" in several years but it used to be a staple at my house every year.
That cheesecake sounds awesome – cheesecake is one of my sweet tooth "weaknesses," and my uncle makes awesome cheesecake. (I could be just the tinniest bit biased…) Funny – I will be baking tomorrow also – not that I am happy about it, mind you. ;)
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