My day-job boss asked my coworkers and me the other day about family traditions at the holidays and as I began to speak I realized I had nothing to add to our discussion. Family traditions, things we do every year at the holidays that are to be passed down through generations was something I just couldn’t put into words. I grew up in a small town in Vermont, surrounded by family so it wasn’t a matter of not having family to provide traditions. Rather, it felt too personal to share. My fondest memories of the holiday still remain the silence after a snow storm one Christmas, the only sound was that of my boots crunching through the snow as we walked across town to visit my grandparents. The warmth of their home when we entered, the overwhelming smell of blueberry muffins that I will always associate with my grandmother’s home. Traditions become memories, and are forgotten when grandparents pass, siblings and parents and close friends move far away. Everyone leading separate, busy lives, not coming together for the holidays which at one time had been so closely knit together by my grandmother. It was her home, her warmth, her blueberry muffins that drew everyone in with unconditional love. The stockings were truly hung with care, presents seemingly twinkled beneath the dancing lights of the Christmas tree. Baking and cleaning for guests, family and friends who came from near and far. Time passes too quickly and traditions are lost by distance. This year I have promised myself a resurrection of sorts, the revitalization of family traditions. My parents have come for a visit, albeit quick, it was memorable and enjoyable and I feel blessed having them close. The baking has begun with the creation of Rice Krispy squares. Sugar cookies from scratch are next. Baby steps. The house has been cleaned, the stockings pulled from boxes in the garage. Family traditions are not forgotten, they were just set aside for a while but now they’re back, and I have only just remembered how much I missed them.
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AuthorKatherine is an emerging author with several titles to her name. She writes erotic romance novels including historical and contemporary stories. CategoriesArchives
September 2015
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