Christmas traditions are important to me. That's probably one reason that I have a ridiculous number of Christmas decorations. Some of them my Grandma Boyle made before I was born, others I remember from my childhood, still more from the time when we had little kids plus so many from our trips. I collect nativity scenes and also try to get a tree ornament at each destination. I love them and find joy each year when I get them out.
Traditions of things that we 'do' are even more important. During my growing up years, all of my Daddy's family came to our house for Christmas Eve. First we went to our different churches for a Christmas Eve service and then all my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents came to our house for eggnog and good food.A few years after I was married the electricity went out during the party. Unsure what to do with a crowd in a dark house, a new tradition of singing Christmas carols together was born! Funniest of all, we sang 'The Twelve Days of Christmas" with different people taking each verse. My Daddy's sister, Maudie, always sang, '3 French hens' and although she could not carry a tune, she was quick to laugh at herself and that just added to the fun. After Maudie passed away, we never sang again because it was just too painful. George and I did renew this tradition when we lived in Spain by inviting all our friends over for food and carol singing on Christmas Eve.
Our George Lewis family traditions have evolved over the years. When the kids were little, we acted out the nativity story and also read 'The Polar Express' and of course left out cookies and milk for Santa.
Our children all have sweet memories of first Grandpa Walt Lewis and now Grandpa George Lewis reciting the Harrison R Merril Poem
'Christmas Eve on the Desert"
They remember all the years as little children when they didn't understand the poem at all and just felt anxious for the evening to end so Santa could come. When they were teenagers, the beauty of the poem and the tender sentiments expressed became clear. Now it is a treasured reading every Christmas Eve.
On Christmas morning we open gifts one person at a time. I love this because then you get to see the reactions as special gifts are opened. When it is a free for all, you miss seeing the recipients delight.
Now that we have adult children and grandchildren, traditions have evolved and we seem to have hit upon the perfect mix for this stage of life.
This year I loved listening to 9 year old Isabella anticipate the Christmas traditions. Her excitement about the games and food made all the work that goes into making this holiday special well worth the time and effort!
Christmas Eve starts with ornament making. Every year since 2011, we have made ornaments. You can see them on our tree in this photo of Matt and Cady and their cute dogs, Millie and Baby Dog. The boys do occasionally grumble about 'crafts' but they are good sports and make one each year!
Games are next on the agenda! From a marshmallow toss to Christmas Tree Cup Stack to mini golf, they are all so fun. This year we added 'Oregon Trail' and 'Left, Right, Center' to the mix.
Monica won the grand prize for the "Left, Right, Center" game and promptly gave the $24 to Isabella.
Our competitive Isabella really wanted to win the big games competition. (Although the $24 did make her happy too) She always does want to win any game she plays but this year she really, really did. Last year Cady suggested that I buy a trophy to pass around to the winner each year. And I did.
Isabella coveted that trophy.
We had a Christmas miracle.
I won the game competition!
First time ever!
Isabella really did not think this was fair since I bought the trophy!
After all these years, I finally won so I am keeping it for the year.
This might be the only time I ever win. George had the handicap of a cast on his arm. Matt was having severe back pain. And Johnny missed the games because he was working. Scott came in a close 2nd.
This was MY year!
Game traditions! Ornament making traditions! And of course food traditions!
Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup with sandwich fixings....
And the oh so important to Isabella, chocolate fountain....
Her favorite thing to drizzle with chocolate - the angel food cake!
I agree!
Christmas morning - It's all about the presents and the food again.
Breakfast pizza and cinnamon rolls!
I made the comment that since everyone loves these two items so much, I should make them more often.
Interestingly the consensus was that I shouldn't. They like them being special for Christmas morning.
Before and after breakfast we opened presents.
There were a lot of very thoughtful ones!
Not the most important part of Christmas but still so fun!
By the end of the festivities I felt like I should have been wearing Matt's hat.
But I would need it to say
'Tired but oh so happy!'
Next year we will be enjoying Christmas in Peru and trying to make it special for over 100 missionaries who are also far from home.
I can hardly wait!
But I will really miss all these faces!
