by Jill Rumbley-Beam
Christmas traditions vary by region and household, but some common traditions include:
• Decorating-this could include Christmas trees, nativity scenes, garland, wreaths, mistletoe and holly are very popular decorations. Usually, in the United States, people often buy the family tree or even go so far to a Christmas tree farm to cut one down.
• Gift giving-Adults, as well as children receive gifts from Santa Claus, family and friends.
• Food and drink-people bake cookies, or cook a special meal, or even drink a little egg nogg.
• Music-some people sing Christmas carols or listen to Christmas music.
• Church-some people attend special church services at Christmas
• Other traditions-watching Christmas movies, attend a Christmas pageant, exchange Christmas cards, or maybe put up an advent calendar.
My brother and I had a Christmas tradition that we started at a very young age. We slept under the Christmas tree. Mother would tell us that if we did that, Santa might wake us, and he couldn’t leave presents under the tree. We didn’t care! We did this tradition until I was in the 5th grade and Phil was in the 3rd grade.
My daddy was the best. He always made Christmas special because he loved to surprise us with a special gift that we didn’t expect. I will preface this story by telling you that my dad loved shopping at Radio Shack. When I was in the 3rd grade and Phil was in the 1st grade, he bought us the strangest surprise he found at Radio Shack. Phil got King Zor; King Zor was a fighting dinosaur that was complete with a toy gun. King Zor had a plastic piece on his tail, where you could shoot darts from the dart gun, and when the dart landed on his tail, he would move different ways and would let out a big growl. I got Odd Ogg. Odd Ogg was half turtle, half frog. He came with 4 balls, and you had to roll the balls in the center of the toy and if you didn’t hit the center, Odd Ogg would stick his tongue out at you. We loved these toys and played with them for a long time.
Then when Phil and I were in junior high school, we both wanted 10 speed bicycles because they were the rage. Mother would always remind us that we are products of educators and educators are poor. She said you will have everything you need but you might not get everything you want. We were a little sad because we were set on getting 10 speed bicycles. Christmas morning came. At this time daddy was the band director at David W. Carter High School and we lived right behind the school. Daddy told us to load up in his van because we are going to take a little trip. We got into his van and daddy pulled up in the band hall parking lot at Carter High School. We all got out of his van and daddy unlocked the band hall door and there in the band hall were two 10 speed bicycles. One red for me and blue for Phil. We were so excited.
Now we are in high school. All our friends were getting cars. Phil and I wanted a car, each but mom reminded us again, that we are products of educators, and we might not get everything we want but we will get what we need. Christmas was on Saturday and believe it or not, my daddy went to a Volkswagen dealership and Christmas Eve and bought two Volkswagen Beetles for $10.000. One was red, which I received, and the other blue, which Phil received. My mother was shocked that daddy bought two brand new cars and she was driving an old Vega. Phil immediately decked his out with blue shag carpet, but I was informed that I couldn’t do anything to mine because sometimes daddy or mom might have to drive it.
College days, we always got money but it wrapped in an unusual way so we would be surprised.
What great memories my brother experienced, and we still cherish to this day. I hope you have great traditions and memories too!
I hope you all enjoy the holiday season and I hope you have a very happy and prosperous New Year.
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