This is the season for so many things. People decorate, cook, shop, and gather together to celebrate many different winter holidays. Regardless of whether you celebrate Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa, or some other holiday, there are special treasures involved. Some of the most treasured things do not come from a store either.
Special holiday memories are some of the best treasures. Now I know some of those memories can be embarrassing at the moment, like accidentally setting a fancy hairdo on fire in front of your date. I learned the hard way that year that hair spray and candles are not a good combination. Fortunately, my bangs grew back and the boy ended up marrying me. But other memories start out and stay beautiful, like holiday lighting ceremonies. The wonder in children's eyes when they see a huge Christmas tree or lighting display is priceless. Feeling grown-up because you got to dress up to go somewhere special like Midnight Mass or a special performance is precious too. I got to wear my first long dress on just such an occasion.
Holiday traditions are also wonderful treasures. This can be a special dish or meal, like the cheese fondue my mother used to make every Christmas Eve. In our house, I make Chruschiki - a fried pastry I learned to make from my grandmother. They are called different things in different Eastern European cultures. When my children were small, I would make these myself. Now that they are older, it has become a family activity. That makes it an even more precious treasure. Some traditions pass as children grow up, but might return someday. One of my favorite traditions with my kids was taking them to ride the Santa Train. They would get all bundled up, and there would be hot cocoa while we waited for our turn. While they have outgrown it, I look forward to the day when I can take my grandchildren to do it.
There are so many things that make a holiday special. Probably the greatest holiday treasure is having special friends or family in our lives. Regardless of what winter holiday you celebrate, may it be filled with love, memories, and your own holiday treasures. And from BP's Bookshelf, have a merry and safe holiday season.
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