Christmas traditions

After reading Wendy's blog, I've decided to follow on with my family's Christmas traditions as well…

Our tree goes up on 16 December and it always marks the real count-down to Christmas. Putting it up is always a very festive occasion and we listen to Christmas carols while we "trim the tree". We decorate and my dad fights with the tangled lights, which he always has to put on last. There's always something yummy to snack on and drink (either champagne or coffee). In the days that our tree's up, the lights are on every night and we often just sit around and enjoy the colour and beauty it adds to our home. We have an artificial tree, which is only 2 years old now - the previous one my parents bought when they got married and it was looking really tired. We have a fairy that goes up on top of the tree, unlike most people who have stars. My dad always has to put this on – a tradition that started because we couldn’t reach the top of the tree as kids. She’s also looking tired (actually, she looks like an alcoholic on a bad hair day), but she’s so much part of our Christmas tree that nobody's got the heart to chuck her out!

This year will be Jake’s first Rotary Christmas Party experience. As kids we always went to Uncle Paul's party in Constantia and, needless to say, I’ve managed to get us in at the same one!! It’s on Groot Constantia and the excitement and magic of it is indescribable! From tractor rides, to straw fights, to the marching band, Noddy and his gang, naughty goblins, singing Christmas carols and Father Christmas and his fairy arriving - it's just so magical. There are 7 adults going with my one child and I'm pretty sure we're all way more excited about it then he is about. I think it’s more about sharing it with him and seeing him experience it for the first time. I CANNOT WAIT!! Apparently, the show hasn't changed in all the years since we went, it’s going to be a real trip down memory lane. We haven't received our invitation yet, but I have been told that we are going on the 17th, which is the day after putting our tree up, making it a very exciting weekend for us!

Before bed time on Christmas Eve, it’s vital to remember to put out something for Father Christmas and his reindeer to snack on when they visit our house, which does not have a chimney, but remember Father Christmas is magic – he can get in anywhere! So, it’s always carrots and water for the reindeer and mince pies or shortbread, chocolates (used to be Quality Street, but they’re not as nice as they used to be) and a glass of sherry or Amarula. There were always photos taken of us (and now of Jake) putting out our Christmas Sacks under the Christmas tree. Then it’s off to bed, to try and sleep. When morning eventually arrives (sometimes as early as 4:30am), my dad always has to go through to the lounge to check that the big man in red’s not still there. And then it’s complete mayhem as everyone dives for their individual sacks and begins ripping open wrapping. Coffee’s served, normally with scones and we exchange gifts with one another. In the old days, we used to go to church on Christmas morning, more recently, we’ve been going on Christmas Eve. Not sure what this year holds.

Because we share so much of Christmas with my family, since we live with them, and they really get to enjoy so much with Jake, I always give Jacques’ family first option on whether they want us to have Christmas lunch with them. This year, we’re having Christmas Eve with them and lunch with my folks (Jacques’ sister is with her in-laws for Christmas lunch). Joanne’s new family-to-be will be joining us as well, so there’ll be a nice little group. My mother always spends hours shopping and pouring over recipe books to put together the greatest feast ever and each year we swear we’ll never eat so much again, but by the time the following Christmas arrives, we do it all over again.

Other family traditions include driving through town (and Bothasig) to see the Christmas lights; a Christmas dinner with Jo and Paul during the week before Christmas; picnics and Christmas carols by candlelight at Kirstenbosch; looking for fairies’ lights in the garden, which are really glow worms, but the tradition is sticking and Jake loves hunting them down; being warned that the fairies are listening and reporting back to Father Christmas on our good/bad behaviour; eating too much; napping between lunch and dessert on Christmas day; drinking too much; spending time together; trifle for breakfast on Boxing Day (also my mom’s birthday); left-overs for days; the list is endless…

And not forgetting that, while Christmas time is always a time of excitement, tradition, special memories and magic, it's also an incredibly sad time of year for many people. We will always miss having Jacques with us, but I will do my best, as always, to make this a happy time of year for Jake...

I know that it’s a very early wish, but the festive season is just around the corner now - I hope that you all have the most wonderfully happy, peaceful and safest and festive season this year! For those of you with young children, remember how important your own family traditions are and enjoy making special memories that your children will look back on fondly one day when they have children of their own.

Lots of love to you all,

Sue xxx

Some Christmassy photos taken over the last few years...

Christmas Day 2004... 16 December 2005 - Decorating the "tree" (note the tired tree)... Christmas Eve 2005 - putting food out for Father Christmas & the reindeer... Christmas Eve 2005 - Testing the reindeer's food... Christmas 2005 - Jake's stuffed sack (I made the sack)... Christmas morning 2005 - Jake and his Aunty Jo... 16 December 2006 - Decorating the "tree" ... 16 December 2006 - My dad putting the alcoholic fairy on top of our new Christmas tree... Christmas Eve 2006 - note the Christmas fare... Christmas morning 2006... Testing out one of his presents - Christmas morning 2006...