I love Christmas. I love the gift-giving. I love the gift-receiving. Since having two kids of my own, this love has been further magnified. It is such an indescribable joy making other people so happy.
For me, an equal amount of joy comes from the extra-special efforts that go into Christmas food. It is fancier than usual, made from the best ingredients that we can afford, and chock-full of love. Even better, each pot, serving platter, plate and bowl is shared with family members and friends over belly-laughs. Often these platters provide the backdrop for joyful reunions that only happen once a year (like in my family!).
As we all know, 2020 has been a challenging year. This will be the first time in forever (we can’t even remember the last time) that my husband and I will be away from our families. Not seeing them has been a devastating blow to the kids. Celebrating with extended family has been a central part of their Christmas since they were born.
As much as the gift giving and Christmas food will continue this year, our Christmas will have a little family shaped hole in it. Our traditions won’t be quite complete.
Missing our families got me thinking about what traditions and food I will miss the most.
Here are a few of my favourites family traditions:
Mom’s turkey – it’s a special and unique one because she makes it an Asian style turkey stuffed with sticky rice!
Mom’s fruit cake – she prepares this weeks in advance and we watch her pour the brandy over week after week!
The Christmas tree – we have one in our home, my parents’ home, my parents in law’s home. Each of these are put up together and decorated together. They are not perfect and maybe even a little haphazard with all the little hands helping, but they are the best!
The letters to Santa – we don’t write snail-mail to anyone anymore. For our kids, this is the time of year to do it. They pour over their letters for weeks and make them pretty. The last lick of the envelope seals the deal.
What about you? I would love for you to share some of your favourite Christmas memories and rituals. I can’t wait to read about them!