This time of year makes me contemplate what binds us together as literal families and families of community. It’s the traditions, symbols, and stories we share that make us forever connected to each other. Here is my take on the homemade paste, refined cement, and just plain, white glue that makes us feel so connected to families this time of year.
Primary Childrens’ donations and food drives. Pinenuts. Finding the perfect tree on an icy cold, dark night.
A new toothbrush found tucked deep into my New Year’s stocking. For generations, my family has celebrated new beginnings by hanging our Christmas stockings out one last time for the little New Year to fill with joy. That joy came in the form of an orange, candy, very small and inexpensive gifts, and the much anticipated new toothbrush.
Nut crackers and shelled walnuts, pecans, and Brazil nuts. Salvation Army bells. Paper doily angels.
A friend from a fatherless family of ten children remembers dismantling their Christmas tree, carefully reboxing the ornaments, and discarding the dry, brittle boughs. One year, lacking another adult voice of reason, his mother took advantage of the timber and gradually feed the tree into the fireplace for an evening of warmth and continued holiday spirit. Unfortunately, ten eyebrow-singed children and an astonished mother stood dumbfounded when the tree spontaneously ignited, shot a twelve foot flame out the chimney, and left the living room carpet nothing but scorched shag and black cinders. It was his most memorable holiday family activity.
Hot chocolate and toast after a night of caroling. Lifesaver books. Quilted tree skirts. Building Frosty out front and having him around until February.
Marsha decorates a tree for each of her children. Now they now take their tree where they spend the holidays. Emily’s sits in her college dorm room, Jeff keeps his Polar Express tree in his teenager bedroom, and Jason’s wedding trousseau consisted of a $10,000 life insurance policy, and his three-foot Christmas tree.
Nine women--mothers, sisters, daughters, and nieces—dip dozens of homemade chocolates and create after-the-Thanksgiving-dinner crafts.
Building forts in the snow. Yard art. The old-fashioned round Christmas lights Julie’s grandparents handed down to her.
But most of all… you!
Happy Holidays.
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