Thoughts on Christmas traditions

Two weeks before Christmas and, although today was a beautiful 5 deg C sunny day, the signs are unmistakable.  Tomorrow we are promised wintery weather: some snow, plus ice pellets and freezing rain (ugh).  The mall parking lots are full, twinkling lights adorn more and more houses, and Christmas cards are starting to dribble in (no thanks to me just yet).  Christmas is a time of nostalgia and family traditions.  Parents of little children are in the enviable position of getting to share the magic of Christmas through those innocent young eyes.  These parents are creating the traditions that their own children will hold onto for the rest of their lives. Their children’s nostalgia in the making.  Personally, I cherish my memories of the Christmas traditions I grew up with every bit as much as those my husband and I shared with our boys.  And now I watch our children creating their own family traditions.

It takes a lot of work on the part of busy young parents, but, take it from an oldster, the time you put into your family’s Christmas traditions is time rewarded – at least eventually.  I’m not talking about the money; I don’t remember any presents I did or didn’t receive when I was growing up.  But as I sit here listening to Christmas music (for the first time outside a store), I am transported back to long ago, when my parents and brothers and I would sing and play carols together at this time of year.  Although our parents have been gone for nearly 40 years now, those memories remain remarkably strong and are very important to me.  Whatever your Christmas or other special holiday traditions are, I hope you are able to enjoy them with family and friends this year.

Clara Cadoodle is definitely looking forward to Christmas, as is her brother, Gustopher Cadoodle.

 Clara Cadoodle Gets Ready for Christmas

 

This is the story of Clara Cadoodle, who lives in a house in the land of Bazoodle.

She and her brother are all in a pant-a as they eagerly await a visit from SANTA!

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They hear Christmas music in all of the stores, and they know that there’s still lots to do, and then more!

They’ve put up their tree; it’s a beautiful sight, with fine decorations all sparkly and bright.

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Clara and Gus sent their letters to Santa; they’ve been mailed to the North Pole (where it’s too cold for plant-as).

They know to be good, for goodness sake, as good as the yummy things that Mommy bakes.

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At Christmas their family will gather together and they can play with Nana – all day and forever!

Grandma and Grandpa won’t be here this year; but for sure they’ll send goodies and love with good cheer.

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Uncles are coming, along with the Aunties, and they’ll join in the singing of Christmas-time shanties.

There’s Frosty the Snowman, Jingle all the Way, and You’d Better Watch Out, You’d Better Not Shout, at least ‘til Christmas Day.

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Excitement abounds, much action, much fun; Christmas is here and the jobs are near done.

Clara and Gus know what they must do; they’re quick off to sleep, before Santa’s in view.

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When everyone’s asleep and curled up tight, Santa arrives, with gifts to delight.

And he’s heard to exclaim as he drives out of sight, “Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”

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Other Clara Cadoodle posts:

• Taking a stab at childrens poetry
• Waiting for perfection is not an option!
• Is running just child’s play?
• Still loving winter, but every once in a while …
• St. Patrick’s Day storms and sleepovers