Dateline Boston – Well, it’s here —Christmas! And Christmas traditions. Over the years, I have created quite a few traditions, some passed on from my childhood, some from my single life, and one from half a world away. It’s been fun to introduce Husband and Stepsons to my traditions. Now they belong to all of us.
Our new family tradition started with stockings. I made my family’s Christmas stocking for Husband and Sons. My mother made the first one when she was a girl in the ‘40’s. Each stocking is made of felt; green on the back, red on the front. They all have a tree, a snowman, and a moon. Most of them have cats under the tree, as I come from cat people, but I altered them so that they each have something that represents that person. A computer, a book, a cup of coffee. We hang them, along with my mom and dad’s, on the mantle. That won’t be happening this year. Girl kitten was very interested in clawing them the first day I put them up for decoration. They’ll come out right before they’re to be opened.
Next tradition is the Christmas tree. Growing up, we always got our tree at the cheapest place we could; our lowest point was buying a little tree from some guy outside of a bar once. We never went without, however! When I was single, I started buying trees from the place that set up their business in the parking lot next to a liquor store. I didn’t need a car, the trees were cheap, and I could haggle for a lower price if I felt like it.
When Stepsons were introduced into my life, I told them of my tradition, and they told me theirs. They went to a tree farm that served popcorn. Well, they’ve kept up that tradition with their mom, and when they’re with us, we go to the “city” tree place. We have a car now, so we get to circle the block a few times for a spot. If we’re lucky, we find a spot at the lot across the street run by the tree company.
Strapping Guys Strap a Strapped Tree
The guys will walk your tree across the street and strap it to your car. One year I suggested that we go to the local farm some of my friends go to, where the trees are bigger and the same price. I was outvoted. Our tree tradition has carried on.
When I was a little girl, our family always opened our Christmas stockings on Christmas Eve night, before we went to bed. It’s dark and cozy. The lights on the tree bring a soft glow to the fun of opening small gifts. Usually there’s a snack involved. This year, there are no lights on the tree, due to the risk of kitten electrocution. Any snacks made will have to be guarded carefully from our new feline family members. Hopefully we can get back to lights on the tree next year.
Perhaps my favorite tradition I’ve passed on comes from Japan. When I was living there, I went to Tokyo during the Christmas season and saw multiple ads for KFC, complete with Santa Claus and holly. Seems KFC did a promotion back in the day that promoted chicken on Christmas—all Americans did it! Christmas tunes were blasted out of public speakers, including George Michael’s, “Last Christmas.” To this day, whenever I hear that song, I think of Christmas in Japan. I brought KFC to our family Christmas dinner. Last year we switched to Popeye’s, but the sentiment is still the same.
Of course, we always watch a few Christmas movies to get into the spirit. Not everyone attends a viewing, but they’re on, and later on, lines are quoted, like it or not.
Yes, traditions are fun, and bring a special meaning to the year. I hope to carry them on for many years to come. Merry Christmas!
Ms. Vaillancourt may be contacted at snobbyblog@gmail.com
