Riding the Riverside Trolley was a holiday tradition I miss very much!
December is a magical month to me, and not just because I was born on Christmas Day and I get to celebrate another turn around the sun. The weather cools down (well, some days it does). The kids are out of school and work slows down enough that I get to spend more quality time with my friends and family. Also, it just feels like there is a general spirit of happiness, kindness and giving amongst everyone I encounter. Wouldn’t it be lovely if all months were as warm in spirit as December?
I am also a sucker for history and traditions. I feel traditions deep in my bones. They give me a sense of comfort and belonging. Each person has their own holiday traditions. Some originate from warm childhood memories that you desperately try to recreate. Others are new traditions you start with close friends who become like family over time. Some are even solitary rituals. In fact, one of my newest traditions is to wake up early on Christmas morning and take my dog for a walk on a secluded beach.
I find that solitary time is important if you want a balance to all of the social events in December. I feed on those social moments, especially after being isolated the last couple of years. Some of my favorite events are annual parties like Latke Party (my friend’s potato pancakes are the best), The Red Party (a Springfield tradition with great people, red lights and an alligator, rabbit and pig roast, and Friendmas (a heartwarming girl friend holiday hang time). I also really enjoy public events with the kiddos, like Christmas in Avondale, Luminaria, and Holiday Pop Up Events. Strolling through Memorial Park at dusk, admiring the lanterns lining the circular walk that leads up to the “Life” statue, that was one of the most soul filling moments this year. As a family, we also love attending holiday movie events, out in the parks, and at Sunray Cinema. On Christmas Eve, Sunray has a showing of It’s a Wonderful Life, which is a family favorite. When George Bailey realizes his worth and the importance of family and friends, then reaches into his pocket to find Zuzu’s petals, oh the tears that flow!
At home, the first of my favorite traditions is picking out a fresh cut tree, strapping it onto the top of my car and driving it home to be set up and decorated. We’ve collected ornaments from all over the country during our summer travels. It is so much fun unwrapping them and reminiscing about our many adventures, like the breathtaking hike up Mount Rainier, the majestic whales we spotted off the coast of Iceland, and that time the kids counted every step on the way up the Statue of Liberty. We share stories about the visits to Presidential historic sites and awe-inspiring national parks, as well as silly moments like seeing the leg lamp on our visit to A Christmas Story house. We also share stories of family and those we’ve lost. I love thinking of my grandma each time I unwrap and hang up the “Merry Texas Christmas” ornament she made, or remembering my sweet Buttercup kitty when I add her tiny paw prints to the tree.
Another favorite tradition in our household is the annual sugar cookie decorating extravaganza. Really this is just me baking a ton of sugar cookies in various shapes and having all the colors of icing and sprinkles and candy for decorating available. Family and friends come by and we sit around the table and decorate. There are always so many cookies left over. As more people stop by through the holiday season, I invite them to decorate some cookies too. So many of my friends are artists or creatives that most of the time these cookies are too fun and interesting that you just don’t want to destroy them. My daughter always makes an adorable Patrick Star cookie. Even though this isn’t a big event, it is one of my favorite because it is a simple and fun way to bring people I love together.
My final holiday tradition is celebrating my birthday on December 25th, which usually involves a hibachi restaurant (pretty much all that is open). It reminds me of when the dogs ruin the dinner in A Christmas Story movie and the family is forced to go out to eat at the Chop Suey Inn. Yet, my experience is always wonderful. Marveling at the flaming onion volcano surrounded by friends and sake at the hibachi table is one of the most fun holiday traditions.
If you have a holiday tradition you love, share it on my blog page. I truly hope that you enjoy this holiday season celebrating whatever traditions you hold most dear!
