Creating holiday traditions is one of my favorite things to do—and this was especially true when the boys were growing up.
Setting up a family puzzle on December 1st and working on it till Christmas was one such tradition. Some years it was a hit, other times, not so much. Brian and I, however, decided to revive the tradition by beginning a puzzle on Thanksgiving night. Since then, we’ve completed two and we bought two more today.
You may giggle at the sight of our puzzle table but it too is immersed in memories. As a little girl, I often cozied up to the corner of my grandparents olive green card table on a Friday night, watching them play Setback with friends and family. Salted nuts, bottled Cokes, and a ton of laughter were served up on a platter.
During the holiday season, the olive green card table now takes its place in our den, bowed legs, peeled paper, and puzzles on top. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
Care to share one of your favorite family traditions?
One of ours was that Santa always came while we were at midnight Mass and then we would open presents in the early morning hours after church. Mom and Dad came up with some very creative ways to make that happen.
One year we were all in the car ready to go when Mom asked Dad to go back up to the apartment and get her some Kleenex. Dad went and was gone for a looong time. Finally Mom said, "I don't what is wrong. I better go help him find the Kleenex." She left and it took her a long time to find the Kleenex also.
My brother and I were old enough to know but my younger sisters had no clue. Tom and I sat there and grinned at each other and giggled. It was thrilling to be old enough to share a secret with my parents.
My youngest sister continues the tradition with her children. And, last year when it was just Dad and me we went to midnight Mass and then opened presents in the wee hours of Christmas morning.
Thanks for sharing, Tamara. I love your parent's creativity! How sweet that you shared that with your dad last year. I pray you'll have a blessed Christmas.
I love that you start a puzzle each year. I grew up doing jigsaw puzzles on a card table too.
One of our traditions is on Thanksgiving. We have turkey and all the fixin's at Grandma's for dinner and then it's time for charades. Guys vs. the gals. Every year.
All four generations get in on the action. Makes for a lot of fun and laughter.
That sounds like fun, Ellen! The fact that all four generations get involved has to make it extra special. Thanks for sharing. 🙂