I love the season that begins before Thanksgiving and runs through the New Year. It is one of beauty and delight. My family loves the decor, food, and traditions that we plan and prepare each year. The result is a peaceful holiday season full of comfort and joy.
This is the messiest time for my kitchen and I don't mind at all. Eventually, the flour, sugar, and cookie sprinkles will be found and wiped up. It doesn't matter because this is a happy place for our family to spend time together. Our kitchen comes alive with stories, laughter, practical jokes and music with the whir of the mixer in the background. As a result, cookie tins are filled according to my family's annual "cookie wish list" posted on the refrigerator.
Our holiday meals will be well-planned. As the season progresses, the pantry is adorned with canned pumpkin, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, and other holiday foods that we gathered ahead of time when they were on sale. The cookie supplies are all organized and the refrigerator is stocked up with butter. We enjoy eggnog or cider now and then and try to add something extra to our everyday meals.
The children are "hired" for extra chores around the home in anticipation of decorating. Leaves need to be raked, gardens and flower beds taken care of, and extra dusting and wiping for what I call the "cobweb" season in the fall. It seems that the spiders like to come indoors if they can.
We use an index card for each child to keep track of their hired chores. The cards include the type of chore, the date it was done, and the amount credited to their "account". The money they earn is used to buy small gifts to give to one another at Christmas. They have always enjoyed having a sibling gift exchange and can tell you what each of them gave each other throughout the years. They also buy a little something for Mom and Dad to open on Christmas morning before they open their own gifts.
This is a win-win for me. Even when they were very young, my children could wipe baseboards well, especially if they were earning a little something for it. As a result my house stays in better order while we happily shop for gifts, bake goodies, and entertain others throughout the weeks.
I love to decorate with what is in season. There is something cheerful about candy canes and tiny oranges this time of year. I love having a bowl of nuts we can crack open and enjoy. Aren't seasonal foods all the more delightful when you look forward to them during the rest of the year?
We have a little wooden train I bought years ago that has been a part of a simple tradition in our home. Whether our children were toddlers or teens this tradition was a delight each year. Each of the doors open to hide a little something while counting down till Christmas.
Since I have several children and a limited budget I came up with an idea. Each day I would tuck a tiny poem or riddle into the little numbered door. This was a clue to where a small treat was hidden in our home. We would post a schedule on our refrigerator that reminded us whose turn it was to read the poem or riddle out loud and then try to find the treat for all the siblings to share.
Each daily item was wrapped like a little present. Some examples of treats are a pack of gum, packets of hot chocolate, or fruit snacks. We also did little bags of candies, snack bars, Rice Krispie treats or even a couple of quarters. It didn't matter what it was, really. They loved playing what we fondly called "the countdown train." We even found a train whistle. My husband would blow it loudly in the evening and children would dash to the living room yelling, "Train, train, train!"
Our pets look forward to curling up under the tree or, as shown in the photo above, enjoying the electric "blanket" of lights and fake snow. We love to joke about how those poor tiny villagers in those little ceramic houses have to wake up to the mighty sleeping beast in their town.
On Christmas Eve we have cheese fondue together. We love the aroma of the melted cheesey goodness. At our table, if you drop your food into the fondue pot you have to kiss the person on your left. Our conversation is lively and our sense of humor abounds. This is a rather inexpensive meal if you use cheddar cheese as your base.
Memories always adorn the holidays. My grandmother's candle snuffer is one of the few things I have from days gone by. We sometimes hear certain songs, taste certain foods and remember stories that tug at our heartstrings. We miss those who are no longer with us. We give thanks to God for those friends and family who were so dear to us. We carry on their traditions that mean something special to us and pass it along to our own families. Our homes during the holiday season should reflect our grateful hearts.
During this season of harvest and celebration, look for ways to open your hearts and homes to others. The holidays are a wonderful time to comfort and cheer up those around us. I encourage my children to do the same for one another. For example, one morning our girls woke us up to a tree-lit, beautiful breakfast. It truly is the thought that counts when planning something special for one another. All of us can find warmth during the dark days of winter with mutual love and kindness. For me, a little buttery, sugary goodness helps, too!
"O give us homes with godly fathers, mothers, who always place their hope and trust in him; whose tender patience turmoil never bothers, whose calm and courage trouble cannot dim: a home where each finds joy in serving others, and love still shines, tho' days be dark and grim." - A Christian Home by Barbara B. Hart
