‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house …
Every family has their own holiday traditions. Some families gather together on the weekend before Christmas so that other family obligations can be met on the actual holiday. For many years, my own kids have celebrated Christmas with me on Christmas Eve for that reason.
My Christmas Eves now are filled with visits from my three children and five grandchildren. For them, I like to re-create the simplicity of Christmas Eves I enjoyed when I was growing up. The day was always filled with excitement for me and my three siblings, and we’d spend most of the day wrapping gifts for each other and our parents, and putting them under the tree. We always put up the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve and decorated it while drinking hot cocoa, eating sweets and Christmas cookies, and playing Christmas carols on the piano. There was a lot of laughter and a lot of love.
Every year, our special Christmas Eve dinner was lobster bisque served with a crusty loaf of French bread and a salad, a simple meal to prepare us for the rich Christmas Day meal to follow. Growing up on the East Coast, seafood was always a big part of the holidays, and I’ve continued that tradition with my own family. I always serve a large platter of shrimp that I steam with Old Bay Seasoning (my daughter’s favorite). I’ve also served rich, buttery crab legs or shrimp scampi over a bed of rice. Last year, we had my homemade clam chowder, which became an instant favorite of my grandson, Noah. There is always a bowl of fresh fruit and of course, my famous Christmas meatballs bubbling away in the crock pot. I often set up extra chairs at the table for friends and guests who happen to stop by.
This year, I’m going to recreate my Christmas Eves of the past and make lobster bisque – I found a simple recipe that I think will be delicious. Now that both of my parents have passed away in the last few years, sharing one of their traditions brings them to the table with us.
Of course, exchanging gifts is the highlight of the evening, although it isn’t nearly as much fun now that all of the grandkids are growing up. They have their high-tech toys and cell phones, and gift requests typically include a gift card for the latest game. Now that Elijah is over a year old, it will be very enjoyable to once again have toys underneath the tree. I, personally, like to give my grandchildren gifts of a creative nature, or a good book to read (one of my favorite gifts as a kid).
Many of our Christmas Eves involved going to the candlelight service at our church. For several years, I played the piano, accompanying the choir for the Christmas Eve service. Christmas music still tops my list of favorites today.
When I think of Christmas Eve, I think about family, good food, music, laughter, gratitude – and lots of love. May your Christmas Eve and Christmas be full of those things … and merry and bright!
