Re-Inventing Christmas

It seems like every year we celebrate Christmas in a different way. We have a few traditions that have stayed true, but for the most part we re-invent Christmas every year. Growing up we always opened our presents Christmas morning. Later on we talked Mother into letting us open our smallest gift on Christmas Eve after Midnight Mass. She always stayed up to finish some things after we went to bed. I think she just liked looking at the Christmas tree with all the house lights shut off. I do too.

Some of my fondest memories of Christmases past are:

Working in the Christmas Tree lot at the church (Decembers were a lot colder back then).

My Mother's Christmas tree. I don't know if it was a Douglas or Balsam Fir - but it was the old fashion type of Christmas tree and was ALWAYS spectacular.

Watching the Dean Martin Christmas Specials and all the other Christmas shows.

Being in the PTA Christmas Show.

Mother's nut roll.

The altar Christmas decorations at the church.

The train and houses under the Christmas tree. The houses were made by my uncle.

The Christmas tree we got to have in our bedroom.

Getting white go-go boots for Christmas.

Daddy cooking chestnuts to eat - NEVER TO PUT IN THE DRESSING.

Opening presents at Midnight on Christmas Eve with my new husband and our first Christmas.

Making ravioli for Christmas and learning a tradition that we still have today.

Filling the stockings for the boys and giving all the other gifts.

Opening presents on Christmas Eve and wait for gifts from Santa for Christmas morning.

Christmas caroling as a child and as an adult in our neighborhood with our kids and friends.

Sending Christmas cards to family and friends.

We re-invent our Christmas with the boys and their girlfriends any day that we can all fit in. My goal is to keep it stress free. We celebrate on the day that we can with every one's work schedules and having other families to visit. We still have the ravioli dinner and I don't think that will ever change. (fingers-crossed)

No matter how you celebrate the Holiday - you have the Reason in your heart.

I wish you a very Merry Christmas! I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Holiday.

Buon Natale!

Ciao!