When I was growing up, one of my family’s Christmas traditions was assembling our artificial Christmas tree. Unlike today, putting it together was quite a project.
The first thing we had to do was to separate the branches into groups. Each tip of the branch was color coated to determine which branches went together in each row. From there, the smallest size went in the trunk wholes first until all the branches were used. Unfortunately, there were times when we put the wrong color tip in the wrong whole resulting in a weird shaped tree, which would send us back to the drawing board.
One of my other Christmas tradition memories from my childhood, took place on Christmas Eve. My mother always hosted it, allowing family and friends to stop by at any point of the night. The main menu consisted of the Italian seafood tradition, “Feast Of Seven Fishes.” Yes, as a kid it was about the excitement of presents but also the love our family shared.
Years later when our kids were young, one of my favorite Christmas traditions was picking out our real pine tree together. Every year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we hopped in our vehicle and headed over to a local tree stand where they were being sold. At that time, we lived in the city and that’s all we knew. After a few years, some friends told us about a Christmas tree farm and from then on, we began cutting down our own.
It was always the same routine. Once we arrived, whether at the stand or the farm; each of us walked around and picked out the tree that we liked best. After a few squabbles, one by one they were eliminated until the perfect tree for us was agreed upon.
After arriving home, my husband would trim the tree trunk in the front yard, then carry it to the tree stand which sat waiting in our living room. The tree always sat overnight before we decorated it.
Anticipating Christmas Traditions
Waiting with anticipation, the next day my husband would start the decorating process by putting the star and lights on. Next, the kids and I would reminisce as we put on our sentimental ornaments. And without fail, there would always be what we called “the annual Christmas tree fighting,” over the placement of the ornaments.
Continuing Christmas Tradition For The Next Generation
In spite of the squabbles we had here and there, we are very fond of our Christmas tradition. However, over the years as the kids grew and traditions changed. My husband and I now have an artificial tree that we put up before Thanksgiving, and two of our four children still cut real trees with their families.
Why Are Traditions So Important?
I believe traditions are important to make and keep throughout the years. They are an important part of building a strong bond between family, and our community; giving us a sense of comfort and belonging. It’s also a way to express what’s important to us in life.
Aside from being a way of bringing families together and reconnecting with friends, it also reinforces values.
So I encourage you, if you are just starting a family, think about what kind of traditions you want to bring into your children’s lives.
If you are content with the Christmas traditions you were brought up with, continue with them. But as your life changes, don’t be afraid to make new traditions.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to share and comment about what your Christmas traditions are.
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