A Family Christmas Tradition
By Clare Pillow

Memories of Childhood Christmas Traditions

Christmas Eve at NaNa’s was always a much-anticipated event. The hustle and bustle of the holidays seemed to culminate with an afternoon and night of love, laughter and celebration. Aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, brothers and neighbors always found themselves drawn to “NaNa’s house” on Christmas. The most wonderful Christmas meal began the festivities. Everybody enjoyed NaNa’s very own turkey, dressing, homemade rolls and special almond coconut cake. (Yep, she cooked it ALL) Did I mention the table was decorated and set with her best? After the meal came the annual Christmas Pageant. Little people donned their house robes, towels, homemade wings, tinsel haloes and prepared for the baby Jesus! NaNa would read the Christmas story and each child would do his part to enter on cue and look very reverent. NaNa led the carols, which were appropriately dispersed throughout the play. The pageant always concluded with “Joy to the World!” Opening presents, fireworks, remembering when, and laughter filled the house for the rest of the night. Such Christmas memories linger in the soul and mind FOREVER!