My Favorite.. is a weekly meme hosted by Maureen’s Books. In this meme we share every week something we love with each other. Because let’s face it.. The world can be a dark place and it’s time to share something positive. For more info: My Favorite Meme.
I love Christmas and this would have been a super easy question to answer a few years ago. I love our 11:00 Christmas Eve service. I love all the music, the candle-lighting, the fact that when you leave it’s after midnight, so it’s Christmas. I think I’ve missed one year in my memory, because I was just too sick to go. I even walked to the service one year when it was too icy to drive. And I still love that service, but now I play the organ/piano for it, and it’s just not the same. I can’t relax and enjoy the music, because I’m playing. I don’t get to hold a candle during Silent Night. I can’t sit with my family in the balcony and look down on a sanctuary filled with candle-light. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy what I do and wouldn’t change it, it’s just not the same.
It’s harder to pick a favorite tradition now. We’ll go somewhere to look at lights, but the where varies year to year. This year we went to Kennywood. Other years we’ve gone to Oglebay or Clinton, PA. For the last couple of years, we’ve gone down to see the Nutcracker Village. We usually go see a performance or special event around Christmas time, but that also varies from year to year. We do the tree and this year we’ve been baking cookies. For several years, our Christmas cards have featured a drawing/painting by Amber. I listen to Christmas music the whole month at work and in the car, and read lots of Christmassy books. I guess I just love the whole season.
What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? Join in at Maureen’s Books
I love that everyone has different traditions and that we can be flexible enough to let them change. I have learned that it’s ok to change things as long as the essence of what you love is there. I never thought I would change our tree this year but I did! That’s a big step for me.
I love the photo of your tree this year!
We really don’t have any unusual Christmas traditions. I love the card!!
I tell Amber you liked it. The photo’s a little darker than the painting itself, I think.
Everyone is late this year *coughs* yup
And it’s the same time every year. Apparently I just can’t plan ahead.
When the kids were little we’d all set up the tree, go see all the Christmas decorations in nearby towns and we always let them open one present on Christmas Eve.
We decided not to get a tree this year because we have a kitty that would destroy it, but my son surprised me with a Peanuts Charlie Brown Tree. Thankfully she hasn’t bothered it since I set it up.
This year I’m behind, I still have 2 presents to buy 🙂
I love our tree. Thankfully, the dog leaves it alone. I understand cats are awful with the, though. I have at least 5 presents to buy still. And one to finish making.
Beautiful!
I love decorating for Xmas. When I plug in those lights I instantly get in a better mood. I also LOVE when people open the gifts I got them 🙂
I love the Christmas lights, too. They just make me happy.
What a beautiful Christmas care! I love it!!
Your traditions sound lovely! I love Christmas too. I work during the day most years, but in the evening I spend my time with family. It’s such a great time of the year!
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I suppose the one constant tradition is going to look at Christmas lights, no matter where we may go. Last year I took my mom to Johnson City and it was just gorgeous. Otherwise, I’m in this kind of in-between stage of life now where I don’t have any other traditions. The painting looks fantastic!
Next year, Amber will be in college. I’m not sure how that will change our usual traditions. My mom did mention seeing The Messiah at Heinz Hall next year.
The card is beautiful! I remember going to the candlelight services years ago, but we don’t go to those now. Maybe when the kids are older.
Merry Christmas!
Our church has two Christmas Eve candlelight services, one at 6:00 and one at 11:00. I ended up going to the 6:00 service this year too, so I did get to participate in the singing and candlelighting, which I enjoyed. I may do it again next year, depending on how things work out.
I love Amber’s card this year – every year, really 🙂