Being far away from my family at Christmas time is always hard. Even though I've lived in the Bay Area for nearly 13 years, this time of year always tugs at my heart more so.

 

I grew up in Alberta, Canada and my family is still there.  When I was younger getting together with either my mom's side of the family or driving to my Grandparents for a few days was always the Tradition. As we didn't see my Grandparents very often, because they  lived in the next Provience over, we'd more often then not go visit them. We'd get up before dawn and drive 10 plus hours to their home.

 

It's no suprise that food was always the highlight and my Grandma would out do herself with so much delicious food.  It seemed from the time we were awake till bed time there was always something yummy to eat. She was a great German cook and many of the traditional holiday goodies were created from her kitchen. My sister and I could help with dishes but the kitchen in Grandma's house was always busy with either my mom or Aunt's helping Grandma out. (Too bad I could of learned a lot from her!)

 

I remember wondering what great food was coming next.

 

Ever Christmas Eve the downstairs in my Grandparents rec room, a huge table was covered and the feast would begin. All food groups were accounted for and the days cooking never went un-noticed. After eating all the wonderful food and much conversation, the children would get to open a few presents. Of course this was always a "look forward to event."

 

With some dessert and what ever we got as a present, we would play and hang out for a number of hours before attending Midnight mass as a huge family. All genertions we would go to church and be "Thankful" for what we had recieved but also be joyful in being part of something bigger then ourselves. Back then I probably couldn't describe that so much ,but I knew that belonging to this group of people was pretty wonderful.

 

Both my special Grandparents have passed. Knowing them has left me with a great sense of family and Holiday time.

 

I try hard to keep my own family tradtions alive with not only great food of course, but by reading Christmas stories and listening to music, decorating a gingerbread house, and of course going to get the tree...

 

These are some great outward experinces but I also want my daughter to be aware of the Sprirtualiy of the season. Thinking about and helping those less fortunate, say a friend or stranger that's in need. To give her (my daughter) a sense of how fortunate we are and that there's nothing greater then giving of yourself.

 

As I'm not home with my parents for Christmas (or my sister or brother) I want my daugther to know that traditions come in many forms, whether they  big or small. That its not how many are around your table but that there are people that you love and care about present.

 

Christmas is my favorite time of year. What are your traditions?!

 

Happy Holidays!

-Lynn

forever grateful for my friends and family