My evolving Christmas (holiday) traditions

I have been quiet online lately. The despair of watching a US backed genocide of the Palestinian people by Isreal, far right advances in eroding civil rights that were hard won at great cost, chronic pain, Thanksgiving familial get togethers and a sick cat, to name a few distractions. October through January 1st is my favorite time of year. Actually, I am not one to relish New Years, never have been. But it provides closure to the winter holidays. And, now in December, I long to bring in the nostalgic wonder and gratitude for the beautiful traditions I grew up with for Christmas.

Christmas was a wondrous event in my family when my parents were alive, in large part to my mother. She decorated with a designer's eye and spent time on the tiniest details to make us feel special. The decor, the smells, the displays, the food, all made our home a magical place. In my childhood through mid twenties, we  always spent Christmas Eve with our intimate circle of (mainly) other Peruvian families. As all our biological families were in Peru, our families anointed each other familia; we called the grown ups "tio and tia (uncle and auntie) and their children were our primos and primas (cousins). We went all out on Christmas Eve; the 25th was more a laid back, for-the-kids relaxing day of food and brunch with  the families.

A resplendent tree (my mother adopted an unorthodox vanguard aluminum 1970's modern tree with psychedelic lights, lol) and wrapped presents laid out throughout December so the kids could ooh and ahhh all month, and wonder what it hid. Handmade wreaths, Peruvian desserts and wonderful smells permeated our home. But mainly, it was ingrained in my soul as a time for familia.

Now, at 61, my parents long passed, I long for a continuation of the feel of those Christmas', however, adopted to my current life. I am sad that once my parents died, much of the grand familial traditions seemed to have diminished and as family has moved apart geographically and our life-styles and beliefs have evolved, we are no longed as wedded to the gathering of familia at any costs; many traditions we grew up with have fallen to the wayside. My sisters, like many people, now prioritize their familia as being the tight circle they created with spouses and children. Sure, their childless, single tia is well loved but I am not in the inner circle. No matter, I want to create a sense of familia in my home, carrying on my meaningful traditions, old and new. I want my "sobrinos and sobrinas" (nephews and nieces) and sisters to soak up my love through meaningful gestures that harken to our familial roots. 

Travel is difficult for me with my chronic pain, immuno-suppression and financial constraints. So, I am planning a small Christmas Eve at my place for few friends. All loved ones welcomed! I got a live tropical pine-like tree (Norfolk Island Pine) that will do for a humble Christmas tree. She loves heat and humidity so will do well on my porch throughout the year and I can bring her back in to decorate for future Christmases. I am only displaying ornaments that have sentimental meaning. Yummy Peruvian food and desserts will be served and of course I will be drinking champagne on Christmas Eve. I will open gifts on  the Eve. 

I am taking extra effort to give my loved ones a feeling of specialness with handmade wrapping paper. I bought a large Kraft roll and string and am stamping, drawing and stenciling the paper.

I am picking images and designs that speak to the person. For instance, I am including whimsical llamas to reflect our/my Peruvian roots and other paper features a variety of lovely feathers, which are special to two different people in my life. Dog and cat lovers got their companion animals on theirs, etc. It was laborious (my arthritic hands hurt) but I took my time and enjoyed playing crafts. It is not be as elaborate as my mother's grand efforts. (She made beautiful wreaths special for each person. Even finding a tiny wooden violin for my tio, who was a music professor.) But it is the same in effort, sentiment and love.

I am  happy to celebrate and wish someone greetings for Winter Solstice, Hanukkha or whatever. But I was, of course, raised Catholic. I love God, Jesus, Mary, etc. (I also love elements of pagan and indigenous spirituality). But for me, Christmas is a time for celebrating Jesus's birth, child like wonder and showing appreciation for those we love. I even give my doctors that I see most often, my massage therapist, my lash lady small gifts. I make stockings. I drink cocoa and watch Christmas movies. I am a geek for the holidays.  I like to do it. it makes me happy. It's a beautiful thing.

I hope you enjoy the winter holiday season and practice meaningful traditions for you and yours.