Two of my favorite holiday traditions occur a few weeks before the actual day of celebration.
The first is our annual cleaning-out of old toys. My kids and I clean out drawers, baskets, and closets, putting toys that they no longer want or play with into bags to give to the local shelter.
My daughter is an expert at letting go, though my son, a typical male, is more territorial and has a difficult time parting with his toys. My daughter is so good at it that, last Christmas, upon opening a gift from her grandparents (in front of them, no less), she said: “I think we can give this one away, Mom.” Such the little diplomat.
Now I have two large bags of lightly used toys awaiting delivery. My girl wants to send them to tsunami victims, but I explained that there are local children who need toys as well (I don’t particularly want to mail a bunch of cheap plastic back to Asia). We are so lucky to have so much, and to be able to give, particularly at this time of year. I wish I had time to clean out my entire house, to give away everything I haven’t used or worn or noticed over the past year. Perhaps that will happen soon.
The second tradition I adore is putting up the Christmas tree. I love having a live, fragrant, beautifully decorated tree in my home. It sits, in fact, next to my desk, which is in the front corner of our living room. So, for three or four weeks, I get to nest here, even hide a little, at my computer, next to the tree.
We drove out to the country (20 minutes) on Saturday, to a tree farm that’s been run by the same family for three generations. A fourth is being raised there now. E-spouse and the kids played monster tag among the trees while I chose. Which I did quickly, as decisiveness is, for better or worse, my middle name. Then, the chainsaw, the baler, the tying of the tree to the roof of the mini-van, the rainy drive home, the tree stand, the lights, the decorations, the hot chocolate, the Christmas music, the beer. All good. Well, excepting the lights.
So, what are some of your favorite holiday traditions?
And don’t worry, we’ll get back to the health and sexuality questions soon (though we may stick more to health and psychology from now on).
O, and happy Monday.
Share This
My family went to Big Sandy Mush today to get our tree. It took about 5 minutes to spot the one we wanted. We cut it down with a regular hand saw and it is “up” next to our fireplace. The lights are one and the rest of decorations are yet to come. For several years I have enjoyed going to the Swannona Soltice concert with Amy White and Al Pettaway. Absolutley stunning musical talent from these two musicians who now live in our fair city. This year it is the 12/18 at the Diana Wortham Theatre. If you have never seen them, they are incredible. It’s something my Jewish friend Judy, can enjoy together.
i’ve had tooooo much wine and can’t type… sorry..
health and psychology (yawn) - boring.
Well, my mom’s side of the family always has a Christmas party two weekends before Christmas, which is fun because I spend the entire afternoon trying to remember everyone’s names and how they’re related to me…(I’m not what you would call “close” with my mother’s side of the family)
Other traditions include the University of Kentucky vs. University of Louisville basketball game, which is always big fun ’round these parts.
And the baking of coffee cakes and other holiday treats is something I enjoy very much.
Other than that, The Redhead and I have to get to work making some of our own holiday traditions, I guess…
I don’t think you would find health nearly as popular as what you do. But, who knows? You have been on a roll ever since the guy came up to your car in the parking lot. It’s entertainment and you are good at it.
Thank you, Marcus.
Thanks for playing, Walker and SC.
Be nice, Ash.
Thanks Marcus.
Oh. (laughing self-consciously) You were talking to EM.
*cough*
Yeah, anybody got anymore of those signs? Those were great.
This is the first year we probably won’t be able to chop down our own tree. We would have to drive more than an hour to get to a farm - and I don’t think we can find a day to do it - so unfortunately, we will be at a parking lot (I keep having visions of my fav Christmas movie, A Christmas Story.)
A couple traditions for us - we light our advent wreath each of the four Sundays of advent, have a reading, and sing the first verse of “O come, o come, Emmanuel.” And the week before Christmas, we also make a gingerbread house from scratch. Check out my blog soon for the year the cat and dog decided to check out the house closely.
you mean there are Holidays other than Halloween?? I did not know that.
Also, looks like you better not volunteer to be a sex therapist in the future AF. a sex therapist has to be willing to discuss, well,……. sex.
Maybe I can be the sex therapist. My Carpetstains blog is rated NC 17
My greatest new tradition is that my daughter cooks dinner. I used to do it, having been the cook in my family for 18 years. I like this new “tradition” better.
(Sigh)…Couldn’t read alll this…I’m sure it’s great…Edgy Moma rocks and is a great writter…I’m in some sort of a
Post-Size Matters-Funk….so I’m feeling a little blue:(
Plus, I’m sure EM’s post talks all about how she loves big Christmas Trees and How the bigger the tree the better the Christmas…I have gone through life thinking that the sprit of giving was more important than the size of ones Christmas Tree…but now I know the terrible truth….
Returning plastic objects to Asia. Or better, “from whenst they came…”
Remember Aunt Sally’s 2 rules about Christmas tree lights :
1. Squint when you put them on to space them correctly.
2. It’s OK to throw the lights out with the tree if it’s saves anyone
stress and tension. Buy new ones at the half price after christmas sales. That way you don’t have to untangle them either. YM
My favorite holiday traditions are the airing of grievances and the feats of strength.
Gathering around the metal pole never really makes me nostalgic, somehow.
Are we going to see photos of the Christmas tree?
My favorite Holiday tradition is reminding everyone over and over and over that my birthday falls on the 17th. I do it out of fun and just to annoy people. I really don’t care if they remember or if they get me a present, but I don’t let them forget.
But one day when I have my own house, I will have lots of traditions, comeplete with Egg Nogg and stories, and hot chocolate and cookies and unwrapping of gifts.
Alright, Ash. You’re right. I’m yawning too. Bopping off to write something edgier.
Since divorcing my ex, I’ve been able to drop Christmas celebrations almost entirely in favor of Solstice. I still do small gifts for my children, my parents and a couple of friends, and I do send out Solstice cards to a number of people. But I have stopped the consumer craze that would leave me with nightmares throughout the month of Dec.
So my new traditions include celebrating Solstice with my daughters by lighting lots of candles and having a dream incubation ritual before sending them off to bed. I also make some special treats to eat and give away.
-Di