Chinese girls

'Tis the season!

What are some of the things you think about with the Holiday Season in full swing? Personally my family celebrates Christmas, but I would love to hear about other religions, customs and/or traditions. I have started off on a few subjects, please join in:


Memories: I can still remember as a kid laying in bed on December 24th wondering exactly what were "sugar plums" that were suppose to be dancing in my head. I still don't know what a sugar plum is, but I do know I still feel good thinking about them!

Traditions: Food, Family & Friends are probably the most traditional things at our home. Even though my kids are all teenagers, Santa still has to have Ricotta Cheese cookies on Christmas Eve. And of course the watching the movies; White Christmas, Its a Wonderful Life, The Bishops Wife and of course Charlie Brown Christmas.

Perspective: As an adult I have tried to do something each year with my four kids to keep them grounded and the season in perspective. Either on Christmas Eve Day or Christmas Day we go out and visit either nursing homes or the local VA hospital. You have no idea how humbling it is to see eyes light up over a simple tray of cookies and visiting. Is it a little awkward, yes, but only for about the first 30 seconds! When my kids were smaller they would take holiday picture books and "read" to the patients which was a great ice breaker.

Gift Giving: What should be such a pleasurable gesture can turn into such as trying event. What to get the people who already have everything they want or elderly people who need or desire little that can be wrapped in a box. A landscaper friend of mine had a great idea. Give gift certificates for spring clean up, mulching, flowers, trees, etc. A bird feeder hung up where an elderly person can enjoy the view. Books on audio tape or National Geographic has some wonderful scenic DVD's. Gift certificates to a bakery for those on fixed incomes who wouldn't normally splurge. A great gift for those young or old with limited holiday funds, a gift certificate before the Holidays so that they can shop and enjoy giving gifts without the expense burden. And here is the most precious gift you can give anyone, time. Instead of dropping off a trinket and running, take them to the mall with festive atmosphere and lunch, take them to a holiday music event, cook dinner (or pick it up) and take it to their home and enjoy with them. It literally could be the highlight of their season.

We often get together as a family on Christmas to give gifts as well. My wife is Mandarin and she usually prepares hot pot for Christmas day. A soup base is brought a boil and different cut meats, vegetables, noodles, mushrooms, tofu are added to the pot. Not all at once though.