Sunday, December 23, 2007

Christmas traditions...

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday, Christmas Eve in particular. For as long as I can reach back into my memory, I always loved sitting in the dark on Xmas Eve, watching the tree twinkle with its lights and sparkle with its ornaments, absorbing the peace and calm before the spirited festivities began.

I have a multitude of notable Christmas memories, here are some to share:

I remember Dad stringing the lights on our trees, I remember Abby our cat mingling around and spending most of the month of December underneath it, I remember visits to Santa at LuLu Country Club, I remember Mom baking dozens of butter cookies using the pastry bag and creating gingerbread houses, I remember getting dressed up and going to NYC on the train for the day when Dad worked there for his company's family holiday party, I remember lighting candles ever so carefully during Xmas Eve church service, I remember goodies placed on the hearth and notes written to Santa (and the crumbs and soot left behind by him the next morning), I remember the feeling of anticipation that my sister and I had as we scurried to bed so excited about Santa coming while we slept, I remember squinting at the bright lights of the video camera as Dad captured us running down the stairs at some ungodly early hour on Christmas Mornings, I remember kitchen sets and doll houses and bikes, I remember stockings brimming over with surprises, I remember so very much and cherish that I have those memories.

Now that I find myself a parent, I want to create traditions and holiday moments for Cole, so he too will be able to "remember" some day as I do about my childhood Christmas' holidays. I look forward to the years ahead when Cole becomes caught up in the magic and the wonder of Christmas and creates recollections of his very own.

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