Caring for Home:
There are certain traditions each of us have that remain part of our lives throughout our entire lives. Some people celebrate the holidays with a baked lasagna, or a little Christmas fettuccine. [Bonus points if you know that reference.] Some people must celebrate Christmas on December 25th, while others are happy to celebrate whenever time allows. There’s the tradition of the hanging of greens in Southern churches, and the candlelight Christmas Eve services in other areas of the world. With the speed at which we consume information, follow, and unfollow trends, it may appear that Christmas Traditions are becoming a thing of the past. But I believe we can still capture the wonder of Christmas traditions in our homes. Here’s how…
Hanging of the greens…
By now you probably have your Christmas tree decorated and lit. But what about a festive wreath? By tradition, the hanging of the greens is a Christian tradition – often associated with church services – held at the beginning of Advent and it is a symbol of eternal hope and renewal in Christ. But it’s never too late to pop a festive wreath on your front door.
This year, we picked up a fresh wreath from the Home Depot. I believe it was made from the branches of their freshly cut trees. It hangs beautifully on our front door, cost us less than $6.00 US, and welcomes us home every single day.
Embrace the power of scent…
What is your favorite traditional Christmas time scent? Is it the aroma of freshly baked sugar cookies, a balsam scented candle, or a few orange slices and cloves simmering away in on the stovetop? Whatever your favorite holiday scent, now is the time to embrace it!
Listening to Christmas Carols…
Maybe I’m turning into an old lady, but there is nothing better at Christmas time than the crackle of an old vinyl record spinning on a turntable. I love picking up records from my childhood at places like Half Price Books, and other used vinyl sellers. This year I picked up two from my childhood and both were under $1.00 each.
Sure, listening to a streaming service is convenient, but there is something nostalgic about placing a vinyl record and listening to the crackle and static of that old dusty needle.
Watching all the classics..
By now you know I’m a huge fan of Elizabeth Lane… I want to be her when I grow up. Writing from my tiny apartment kitchen but dreaming of a Christmas in Connecticut. Sigh.
There are so many wonderful classic Christmas films – I’m not talking about the Home Alone movies, or the National Lampoons, or even Die Hard (sorry, honey). I’m talking about the old black and white movies that really leave you with a tingle in your heart: Miracle on 34th street, It’s a Wonderful Life, and George C. Scott’s Christmas Carol. In fact, there’s a rumor (but it’s really true) that I’ve watched The Bischop’s Wife with Carey Grant more than seven times this year alone…
Treasure the heirlooms…
In the past few years I have jumped on the Christmas trend train. During Covid I removed all the red from our Christmas decor. Last year, our Christmas decor was mostly green and white and black. Stunning…but lacking. Something just didn’t feel right about it.
When I brought back the treasured heirlooms from dusty old bins in the garage, the crochet stars ornaments I made a dozen years ago, the velvet Santas, and the icicles…. that’s when the magic began to take shape.
Treasure those heirlooms and don’t underestimate the power they have over your holidays.
Make new memories…
This year I started a new tradition. As I have read through the Biblical narrative of the Christmas story, I have placed my nativity pieces in ‘real time.’ First came the angel and Mary, a couple of days later Joseph, then the barn animals, then the shepherds. Currently I’m awaiting the star of Bethlehem to show the Magi their way.
To be truthful, I’ve felt like a child waiting to see what Santa brought for my stocking. Each day, reading the passages of scripture and determining who should enter the story next. It has been a beautiful anticipation of the real meaning of Christmas, and it will forever be a tradition in our home.
Embrace the Wonderful traditions of Christmas…
Whatever your favorite memories, your favorite traditions, I encourage you to embrace them this holiday season. Even the smallest cup of cocoa or the fragrance of the evergreen can bring you so much joy. Remember the beauty of the season, and embrace it with an open heart.
xo, Billie
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