I make it seem like I love the holidays. I do. Not only am I "on holiday" for a few weeks (my last teaching day is next Tuesday). But for me, it's a period of rest and renewal from one semester to the upcoming one (which, without fail, always begins with a bang!).
I come from a rather non-traditional family when it comes to holidays. As a child, I rarely stayed home for Christmas. We were either skiing in the Laurentians or swimming in the Caribbeans. And spending Christmas Eve in the Tunisian desert when I was twelve is far from the expected snow/Santa/gifts we are accustomed to. My parents were (and still are) never big on presents and celebrations. Of course, when Jason and I were children, we received toys that we (I) begged for since the day after my birthday. But as we grew older, the gifts became more sparse. I didn't mind (and still don't). It made for a varied and adaptable holiday.
We didn't grow up with hanging stockings, eating chocolate Advent calendars, and singing carols as we chopped down a tree.
However, Simon grew up with a family who did all the above. The Parham's built festive traditions and they still celebrate Christmas with style.
Being a parent now, I would like to mix and match the Khouri's and Parham's traditions to create our own Christmas. I see the beauty of tradition and excitement of "expected experiences", but I also recognize the spark and adventure of variety and change.
Yesterday, Margot received an Advent calendar from her Fairy Godmother. No chocolate. Just good old-fashioned German illustrations. Very classy!
I also unboxed the Gingerbread Advent House given to her from Grandma Vicky last year. She took an interest to it right away.
Last year, Simon and I decided on a December 1st tradition: to offer a Christmas book to Margot. Le Noel du hérisson was the one she received last year. A bit too advanced for her age. This year, we gave her Le père Noel as she has smitten us with her "ho ho ho" imitation. I really don't know where she learned it. But the jolly ol' man with the white beard and the red suit has caught her attention.
**Musing: As the days/weeks go by, I will share with you my own (Jen, Simon, Margot) traditions. **
