Tradition... Tradition!

Last night we saw Fiddler on the Roof. It’s only fitting since this is the time to remember our traditions.

For me Christmas means my family all together, the smell of freshly baked sweet bread, carols, and snow. Growing up we only decorated the house for Christmas the week of the holiday. And we were all excited about that. The energy and excitement would build up to that day and then each member of the family took care of their own part of the deal: mom was in charge of the menu, dad would pick the Christmas tree and the kids would decorate it. On Christmas Eve, the whole family would get together and then after dinner, we would all go caroling at friends’ and extended family’s houses until the morning or we would stay home and wait for carolers. Then on Christmas day, the whole family would have lunch together. So for all these reasons, Christmas is my favorite holiday of the year.

Since we got married, I’ve gotten used to a new tradition: Hanukkah (which reminds me, I still need to buy candles.) It would probably not be considered kosher in other households, but in ours the menorah is right next to the Christmas stockings. And we keep both holidays, though my husband does not receive eight gifts. I, on the other hand, might and love every single one of them.

This year is the first time we are not going to be with family for Christmas. We’re going to Cabo and so it made no sense to me to get a Christmas tree. But my husband insisted on getting one, so we did. See? I listen. From time to time. Once the tree was decorated, I started feeling the excitement of the holiday. The smell of pine tree always takes me back to my childhood years and I just love it.

This year is the first time we’re skipping the tradition of being home for Christmas. It surely does not mean we’re starting a new one. We’re just mixing it up.