Traditions, or Torture

As the holiday season is upon us, I am faced with the usual fun, exciting planning that accompanies the frenzy. So, I decided to sit down and complete my list of things left to do. I have quite a tendency to procrastinate, so maybe my idea is if I take the time to write everything down,,I will at least be able to check some stuff off my list.
So, of course there is the ordinary gift lists that are always longer and more expensive than necessary, and will obviously be changed as the days go by. Keep it simple,,I keep telling myself. My kids are all grown up, but I still want them to come home and feel the joy of family get togethers.
So, in the sake of sanity, what is most important. Certainly as we look back at our Christmas times as a family, it isn't the gifts we remember. But that warm cozy feeling of being together and sharing our love for each other is. Simple,,right? Do you know how hard it is to make it seem simple? By far, my biggest challenge is keeping some of the traditions that have been passed down to me in my youth. I look back now,,and I wonder,,are some of these traditions fun,,or torture? As our family grows with new additions,,wives, husbands, and grand kids,,what will they chose to keep as traditions in their homes? My advice,,,choose wisely. We are flexible in our home, as is necessary to keep all kids here for the same time under the same roof. So, here is a list of new traditions we are adjusting to,,,and the old ones that we still have so far,,even if it seems torture to me!

Oldies but goodies...

Opening a present on Christmas eve. Usually the pajamas.
A fire in the fireplace.
Baby Jesus stays in the manger.
Explanation - Our little family has been influenced
greatly by many associations with our German family and friends. In Germany,,you
do not put Baby Jesus in the manger until Christmas Day. So, needless to say we
have had to make that a clear choice in our home.
Watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.
Beef Jerky - sorry,,in our house,,,that is more important than any candy.
The hardest one for me by far -- Christmas Brunch. I will thank my Mom for this one.
We have Pork Chops cooked in cream with biscuits and gravy, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, fresh fruit, a variety of juices, all served after hours of preparation time. What was she thinking? What was I thinking? I dont even like Pork Chops! And I do this after usually zero sleep. I think if it were up to just me, I would just opt for some fresh strawberries and call it good.


There are a few new ones that are being tested, and some that I would really like to add!

Now that the need for family unity is a struggle- we have been testing the option
of celebrating Christmas Day at our home not on Christmas Day. This allows my
kids to develop traditions with their in-laws while still being able to get
together all at once and celebrate this families. It's new,,but so far, it has
worked.
Providing Christmas for another family in need.
Sleep. As much as needed.
And now,,,how about adding to this some real serious Pinochle playing now that
the kids have learned how to play.
I also need to teach my kids how to make the caramels, fudge, and divinity that my
Mom could make. We aren't a real candy eating family - so this has more or less
gotten pushed aside, but I still want them to know how to make the good fattening
stuff!