Tis the Season
It’s hard to believe we are already into the second week of December. Usually by now, all my holiday decorations are up, and my house is looking festive. To date, I haven’t hung a single stocking or trimmed a single tree. But, there’s one thing different about this year from the last twenty-two….there’s no advent calendar hanging in the kitchen.
Each year since my son was two, I have hung a hand made, advent tree for my children to enjoy, which has evolved over the years to the most current one……still tucked away. Reluctantly, last year I decided it would be the final showing for the long standing tradition. It was a sad, but overdue decision; my kids were growing up.
Every day from December first, all the way to Christmas morning, a clever clue and some sort of a present was given. It took a great deal of planning, preparation, creativity, and coordination, but the joy I received watching my children’s wonder and anticipation, made it worth the effort.
When they were little, one of their favorite days was ice cream for breakfast, or when they could drink soda all day. This was a big deal since I rarely kept it in the house, but what they loved most was they didn’t have to ask. We also had the tradition of meeting special friends every year that morphed from milk and donuts to casual dinners. I am happy to report this tradition remains intact. If we had a snowstorm, it was build a snowman together, and come inside for hot cocoa and marshmallows, or jump in the car and search for all the best holiday lights.
I wonder if not hanging the advent tree on December first has anything to do with me not hanging a stocking or trimming a tree. It feels like the end of an era, and I find myself remembering the past. As I was writing this post, my son and I were sharing stories and remembering. He was always better than my daughter at guessing the clues, which has become a joke over the years between the three of us.
Even though the advent tree isn’t present this year, the feeling in our hearts remain. I know I have given them wonderful memories to share for future generations. Who knows, the advent tree may make another appearance one day, when the time is right. Traditions may change over the years, and I do believe it’s time to create new ones. After all…..tis the season.
xoxox…..Sheryl