Wednesday, December 16, 2020

Holiday Memories and Traditions

I thought this would be a fun little sojourn down memory lane of Christmases past. Bernie of Needle and Foot is hosting this little hop to add some cheer to a rather tough season for most of us this year.


I love Christmas, though as my daughters have grown up, maybe not as much, since
a. I get to spend it with the man I love (how can that be a detriment you wonder?)...
b. who happens to be rather a grinch.
So Christmas spirit is pretty much all me, and has been that way since we started dating. For me, Christmas isn't religious; it's about the love and gift-giving and time spent with family and loved ones.



As a kid, Christmas was magical, thanks to my mum, who put so much effort into decorating, baking and gift-giving.

The dazzle kind of diminished as I was in my later teens and twenties, but then Christmas got magical again with the birth of my girls. It was as good as when I was a kid. One of my favourite memories of Christmases past was the Christmas Santa left two kittens, one black and one white, WRIF, (pronounced Riff, after a beloved Detroit rock radio station) and Raffi (after the child singer) in an IKEA play tent. Raffi ended up being my beloved cat, living to the ripe old age of 17 1/2.


That may have been the Christmas that MacGyver got our dogs, Rex and Duke, to walk through the deep snow on the deck outside our bedroom patio doors to make reindeer and Santa footprints. A little less of a grinch that year...

When my girls were preschool age, my mum and dad started taking turns sleeping over at my house and my sister's so they could enjoy the excitement of Christmas mornings with kids. My mum was a big lover of Christmas too, and my dad a big lover of his grandchildren. So those Christmases where we got to wake up with Nana and Grandpa in the house, girls running to snuggle with their grandparents before going into the front room to see what Santa had left us, are very dear. My daughters had the very best grandparents, something they both often say.

A tradition from my mum is that we always open stockings first, and before breakfast. We LOVE stockings in my family. Some of the traditions my girls still do is stuff a person-appropriate magazine, a fancy hot chocolate packet, and a favourite chocolate treat into the stocking.

A newer tradition is not having an actual meal on Christmas Eve, but 'grazing' on several appetizers, from cheese ball and crackers, to spinach dip in a loaf, preferably in homemade bread. Of course, nibbling on multiple varieties of favourite Christmas cookies is a part of that grazing.
My mum's shortbread was always a must-have. I made it for the first time this year.

One of the best Christmases of mine as a kid was in 1972, when my parents took our family to England for four weeks. I felt pretty special, being taken out of school a week before the two-week break, and not returning for a week afterwards. Nowadays it's common to pull kids out of school at will to go on holiday, but it wasn't then.
That's me on the end, almost cut off, stylin' cat-eye glasses

A more recent much-loved Christmas memory was in 2004 when my husband and I took our daughters to Florida for Christmas, the first time we flew anywhere as a family. That trip was a trigger that started us down the path of retirement-planning and moving back east plans. What a treat to have the only white stuff underfoot the white sand of the beach, to see Christmas lights around and in palm trees, to eat a delicious New Year's Eve supper outside, to spend two weeks in a condo where the Gulf of Mexico was literally across the road.
Neither Dayna nor MacGyver likes their picture taken...

Never mind that the beginning, middle, and end of the trip was punctuated with a horrible stomach bug that went through all four of us, never mind the angst caused by one Brianne, who was in quite the obstinate mood (I hate my parents and all they do) the entire trip, now, in retrospect, fully admitted by her. No, focus on the many good moments: lying on a beach in the hot sun, fun times in the pool, a trip to Sea World, fun shopping at a time when online and cross-border shopping and shipping weren't readily available, three of the four of us (you can guess who opted out) on a New Year's Day cruise on a beautiful boat, (see above photo), a memorable visit to Mote Aquarium, again with Dayna, driving with the windows down, wearing shorts and flip-flops in December. Remember we had come from the frozen hinterland of Edmonton, Alberta, where we wouldn't see flip-flops and boats for another five months.

Another Christmas that comes to mind is again, another one with the entire family, in 2015, when we flew Brianne and Brady to us here in Kingsville. Good times, lots of fun and laughter (yay for a hilarious, loveable Brady to bring smiles to everyone's faces), good food, fond memories.
Being royally spoiled (again) by Auntie Dayna

And finally a Christmas of just two years ago, when I flew to Alberta for Christmas with Brianne and Brady, and had my Christmas spirit recharged big time.


Christmas is about family to me. Whether the family gets together, or whether that family is divided and has separate get-togethers, or whether the family gets together via FaceTime, it's about the love and putting smiles on loved ones' faces for me. My family is all of the above. We aren't the perfect Hallmark channel family by any means, but the moments that I hold dear are the connections made with each of these five precious people in my life.

As another Christmas gift from me to you in appreciation of your readership, I am offering a free pattern of your choice from my Etsy shop, SandraJaneQuilts to a lucky reader. Just leave me a comment and on Saturday I'll have Brady choose a number from however many leave comments.
Update: He chose #18 which is Mari! 😄

Be sure to visit the other stops:

42 comments:

  1. You've got some very fun holiday memories. Love the old photos that go with the memories. My Guy is a bit of a Grinch too, but the SIT and I pretty much ignore it. Hope you've already made some great memories this holiday season, it's definitely the year we could all use some good cheer and good will.

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  2. Thanks for sharing. Our family went to Florida one year for Christmas too. I loved it the kids hated it

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  3. I agree that Christmas or any holiday for that matter is best spent with loved ones. As the northeast readies for a snowstorm/blizzard a Christmas on the beach sounds particularly tantalizing. So many warm memories and cute pictures. Does Brady's hat have a light in it? Which one is you in the picture with your parents? Have a Merry Christmas, Sandra!!!

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  4. I enjoyed reading about your family Christmas memories. I too have been a Christmas nut and being surrounded by the love of family.

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  5. I loved reading all of these Christmas memories. Living in East Texas all my life, we generally enjoy mild winters but I do have memories of waking up with water in the coffee pot (and the toilet) were frozen solid. Christmas is all about being surrounded by family.

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  6. Thanks for sharing your Christmas memories. I have fond memories of childhood and when my children were little, but since they are grown, we don't get to spend it with them, since they live so far away. Now I look forward to bringing out Christmas decor from years ago and reliving those memories.

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  7. I enjoyed reading about your Christmas's and it brought to mind how different mine have been through the years. How much more fun it has always been when little ones were involved and so special when everyone could come for the celebration. (I did grumble at all the work involved.) This year we will be alone but I'm getting used to it and feel lucky to have each other. Merry Christmas!

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  8. Ahhh... sigh... lovely memories...

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  9. So many good memories - thanks for sharing.

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  10. So many fun memories - even the temperamental teen years add to that, no? It comes as no surprise to me that family is such an elemental part of your Christmas celebrations, and you love them well. And I don't think a perfect Hallmark family exists, except on screen. Thanks for sharing, Sandra!

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  11. Thank you sharing the beautiful memories. Like yours, our Christmas mornings were more boisterous when the kids were young. Al lot more sober now :-)

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  12. You have lots of wonderful Christmas memories! Stockings were always a big thing when my children were little. Two of them have continued the tradition. Merry Christmas. Hugs,

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  13. Oh how we cling to the happy memories of Christmas past. Time flies like Santa on his sleigh on Christmas Eve. I agree that Family is the heart of Christmas. Love and kindness and generosity are the best gifts. Thank you for sharing your family.

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  14. I love stocking stuffers too, almost more fun than the actual presents under the tree. We usually fill with silly things, and fun stuff, overflowing with fun and chocolate.

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  15. Fun memories (mostly!) LOL Our grands love the little stocking stuffers as much as the gifts I think!! Thanks for the giveaway! I love your Oh, the Places You'll Go pattern!! That is such a fun pattern! Family is definitely a huge part of Christmas for us. Mine are going to Disney tomorrow but will be home on Christmas Eve or the night before. Just in time for Christmas at GiGi and Peeps' house!! The Peeps is definitely a Grinch, but he's a good sport about it. He does not like all the commercialism of Christmas and neither do I, but I love Christmas!!

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  16. Stockings are my favorite - We also open them early in the morning before breakfast.
    Your family seems pretty darn perfect to me. I know how much you enjoy your clan Sandra. It shows. The Florida trip seems very appropriate - grumpy, angsty teens are a challenge!
    Enjoy your holiday season this year as best you can. Ours will involve lots of FaceTime, that's for sure!!

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  17. Thanks for sharing with us! I am a grinch lol, but enjoy the 50 degree Christmas days we get in NC!

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  18. Love the vintage pictures! Cat's eye glasses were once very fashionable, you know, so I'm sure you were cutting edge. Sunshine and a boat sounds fantastic right now. Something to shoot for in 2021! Merry Christmas to you and your clan, and hope for a better new yeat.

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  19. Love your memories of Christmas. I have always wanted to do one Christmas in a hot climate - mum lived in California for a time, and a brother lived in Australia for a time but I've never managed it; maybe one day. You are right that it is much more magical with youngster around and the joy and wonder they bring to the day. Wishing you and yours a happy Christmas and let's all wish for a better year next year.

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  20. Yes, Christmas is about the love for your family. Good to focus on the positive aspects of family sometimes, isn't it? May your Christmas be bright this year!

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  21. Loved reading your Christmas memories! Ours too are more quiet now that our kids are grown with families of their own and not living close. I would love to run away to the beach for Christmas!

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  22. Thanks for sharing your Christmas memories. Isn’t it amazing and sad how quickly time passes? And even sadder that so much of what we enjoy about the holidays-gathering with family and friends-can’t happen this year, at least not safely. I haven’t visited your pattern shop in awhile and found some great patterns. I’d have a hard time picking between Oh the Places You’ll Go or Grace.
    kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com

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  23. I enjoyed reading your post, Sandra! One of the fun things about reading all of these this morning is that we all share so many things in common when it comes to celebrating Christmas. My family, too, always opened stockings first. I've never been to Florida for Christmas, but have celebrated it at my mom's hone in Arizona, and it's quite fun to be in a totally different environment than you're used to.

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  24. A delightful trip down Christmas Memory Lane. I bet you never imagined last Christmas that you wouldn't be able to see Dayna because the border was closed. Our Christmases have been quiet for quite some time as my daughter is the only 1 out of 4 grown children who lives nearby. And all 9 grands live in TX. So the Christmas season tends to make me blue and I'm always glad when it's over.
    Pat

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  25. It's a lovely post & nice to hear that not all families celebrate in the same way & as you say not necessarily the typical "normal" family due to all sorts of circumstances. We've plenty of special memories, but we are spread now across Oz & UK, but if you'd like a warm Christmas, please come (giggle). Thanks for sharing, take care, stay safe & huggles.

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  26. Sandra thanks for sharing. I loved my christmas as a kid , too.
    Thanks for the give away, you have the best patterns.
    Jeanne

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  27. FREE pattern? Sign me up, please!! Great memories, but last photo leaves me with one question... When did Brady get so grown up??

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  28. Hi Sandra! Your story is so sweet it brought tears to my eyes. I just LOVE that Nana and Grandpa slept over Christmas Eve. That IS just the best.thing.ever. Florida sounds like a fun trip, mostly. I'm sure it was just the age B was that held the opt-out phase. And Brady - look how little he was!! It is really all about family, isn't it?! For me too - I cherish these days with our littles and seeing the wonder through their eyes. Of course, religion is right up there for me as well. Isn't it fabulous that the traditions have carried over to your girls and there are new traditions to be added, as well. {{Hugs}} Merry Christmas to you and your family. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  29. Such lovely memories - albeit not perfect, but what family is perfect. The downs just make the ups that much more memorable. And 2020 will be the perfect downer of all times - here's hoping that the conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn into a 'Christmas Kiss' heralds better things for this world, and all of us in it. Have a Merry Christmas Sandra, I'll be thinking of you and yours.

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  30. Merry Christmas, Sandra and all your family--enjoyed your trip down memory lane!
    Kids make it special!!

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  31. I don't know any Hallmark families. You look wonderful. Covid will redifine family again. Merry Christmas and hug those you love even if it's through a screen.

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  32. I enjoyed your Christmas memories. Our Christmas will be very different this year since we are having a Zoom Christmas. But the important part is we will have a new memory.

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  33. Christmas IS about the people we love, giving and sharing, and for me that includes white lights to make things sparkle. I love to decorate for Christmas - DH helps get the big pieces in place but leaves me to do the rest (not that he's a Grinch, far from it, but he wants me to enjoy MY process and not get in the way). Great post - Merry Christmas!

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  34. So many wonderful memories Sandra even with a Grinch in the house 😉. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and fun with all of us. Merry Christmas to you and yours 🤶🏻

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  35. Thanks for a fun walk down Christmas memory lane, Sandra! You are so right that missing two weeks of school for a holiday used to be a much bigger deal than it is now. How special that must have been for you! I haven't yet experienced a Christmas on a beach and I honestly have trouble imagining how I'd feel, lol. Of course, I love snow, so that makes a big difference. The snow we got this week makes everything feel more Christmassy to me :)

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  36. I love your Christmas memories. I believe we always did stockings first, too, as kids. You have many more varied Christmas experiences than I do, but like you, it was always family. I can't believe this is the first time I won't be with my brothers or my aunt...but it will make next year extra special.

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  37. Thanks for sharing your memories. I'm hoping PEI lifts restrictions so I can visit my nieces. Christmas is so much more fun with little people.

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  38. Precious memories. For me also, it is more family-oriented than religious. Your photo of thee decor with the beautiful quilt and the milk bottles is very nice.

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  39. I enjoy reading your Christmas memories, Sandra! And I am a big fan of what I call the appetizer dinner--though for me, that's New Year's Eve. Baked brie and spinach artichoke dip are my favorites.

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  40. Great Christmas memories! Loved seeing the pictures and reading about your family's special times of the season through the years.

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  41. I love that Santa brought kittens one year -- what a special gift!

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  42. You are so right that Christmas is about family and loved ones and you seemed to have your share. I miss mine so much due to lockdown we cannot travel and they live far off.
    Reading your memories brightened an otherwise dull day in rainy liverpool England so I send thanks and best wishes for a Happy Christmas.
    As the Beatles sang... "All You Need is Love"

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