Winter Holiday Traditions

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   Seafarer Mamaposted 10 years ago

   Do you have a winter holiday tradition that brings you the most joy each year?
   
   On or around December 6th, St. Nicholas Day, my family (husband and daughter) and I  trim our tree while listening to our favorite Christmas CD's, sipping eggnog and eating chestnuts roasted in our oven. Then we watch a holiday movie DVD ~ usually "A Muppet Christmas Carol" with Michael Cain as Scrooge.
   
   Also, if it is snowing, we make sure we sip hot cocoa, usually garnished with marshmallows, cinnamon, and a minty candy cane stirrer...which tastes best when coming back indoors after an hour or two of sledding.
   
   
   
   

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      bipolartistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We started a new tradition this year. We bought hideous Christmas sweaters and wore them for our Christmas card photo. We have five children and they are all teenagers, so the concept was not pleasant for all. My daughter was the toughest to convince. Anyway, we will be wearing our ugly sweaters to every holiday event we go to as a family. We will also wear them on Christmas morning for even more photos. We will see how it goes and hopefully continue it for the rest of our lives.

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         amiebutchkoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         That is hysterical, Bipolartist!  I think it is a fun way to make the holidays even more memorable!  I bet your kids will look back on it with fondness!

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      amiebutchkoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think your tradition sounds very cozy and fun Seafarer.  I love Christmas traditions.  It ensures me my children will have things to remember in Christmases to come!  Tomorrow we are making spritzer cookies and doing horse and buggy rides in town following hot chocolate at our favorite café.

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      1. 79

         Seafarer Mamaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Amiebutchko, the cookies, buggy rides, and cocoa sound so lovely. Blessings to you and your family!

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            amiebutchkoposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I gotta say, with three kids and our pug dog in tow, it was not picture perfect - none of it.  But we did it and we laughed!!!!!!!!  Thanks!

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               Seafarer Mamaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               awww...and a pug!  I bet that the picture tells a fun story. :0)

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2. 79

   Seafarer Mamaposted 10 years ago

   Bipolartist ~ That sounds like a fun family idea. Hope it leads to lots of fun memories for you and your family!

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   Ericdierkerposted 10 years ago

   I do not want you to think I am offended or in any way less happy but I am uncomfy with this PC "no Christmas" Discussion. I think a tradition is about two generations old or it is a fad or cutesy cutesy.
   Tradition is not a flim flam notions like "pet rocks". Some of us use a word that many forget these days "honor". This contemporary idea notion is fun but not yet tradition.
   
   I cannot imagine embarrassing my children to create a tradition. Our tradition is to welcome and make well for all to come.
   
   I am sorry but any thing remotely related to a Christmas tradition is about Christ.
   
   You left that out.

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      bipolartistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      For my family, Eric, we celebrate the holiday spirit. We are not Christians, though we embrace all who are. In my home on Christmas morning and throughout the holiday season, we spend time appreciating our life. For us, Christmas is not a novelty or about Santa Claus, but it also is not a day we celebrate the same as you. Tradition is for any and all who desire it.
      
      We, too, open our arms to all. The family I have that are Christian, the family I have that are Buddhist and the family I have who are everything in between and outside of...
      
      Cheers!

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         Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I hope your handle means that you do not mock bipoloar sufferers. But you must know it can be construed that way. Though as bi - polar I take no offense.
         My home celebrates a real Christ Mass. The tree and trimmings are just a fun thin to play with. We have nothing that can be called tradition. For we are so young and together new that only hugs create a bond between us and ancestors past.

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         1. 77

            bipolartistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            Eric,
            My handle represents who I am. I am an artist who celebrates life and happens to have Bipolar. That's twice tonight I have read posts from you where you seem to take offense, then follow-up with "but I'm not offended" (paraphrased). That can be construed as passive-aggressive. I have used this handle for years and you are the first person to ever see it as a possible misinterpretation.
            
            I think it's beautiful that your family celebrates the birth of Jesus. However, if I may- if you put up a tree each year, is that not tradition? If your family gathers each year, is that not tradition? If you break bread, say a prayer and attend church, is that not tradition? No matter, it's beautiful.
            
            As for me and my house, we will wear our ugly Christmas sweaters for the remainder of this Christmas/holiday season and perhaps make it a tradition for the many years to come.
            
            <3

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               Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

               Peace and love be upon you and we in my home will celebrate your notions.
               I have thoughts and positions, but I am ruled by love. So I may intellectually assault certain ideas but love all who have them.
               I can just see your family being together and eyes rolling, but a great mom bringing it all down home baby.
               I hope we can disagree and still love.

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                  bipolartistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                  Of course we can.

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                     Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

                     One of the amazing blessings for us bipolars is seeing both sides. Let us go forth and prosper and by that show the love we have.
                     You have brought good joy to me.

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      2. 79

         Seafarer Mamaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         Wow, Bipolartist, you seem to enjoy an array of rich traditions with your extended family.  May this winter season see you and yours well and happy. ~:0)

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4. 67

   Pearldiverposted 10 years ago

   We usually enjoy a serious BBQ at the beach and celebrate the fact it's Summer down here where it never snows 

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   1. 77

      bipolartistposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I am jealous to the core. I am in Texas and it never snows in this part, but it is certainly cold.

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      Ericdierkerposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      My elder kids and I always find a time to walk barefoot and up to our knees in the frigid ocean this time of year. Love and life is good.

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      Seafarer Mamaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds like warm, yummy fun, Pearldiver! :0)

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