The Traditon of Remembering

By Charleen Burghardt

Christmas abounds with meaningful and pleasurable traditions interwoven into the fabric of every household. These customs offer predictable rituals, like putting up a Christmas tree or attending a choir cantata. We associate the holidays with all the expected activities that connect us to our families uniquely.

We associate the holiday with traditions.

My family kept traditions during my childhood that I still remember. One was my sister’s, and I baked cookie-cutter cookies decorated with super sweet, sugary frosting, adding sprinkles and hot cinnamon dots. A dusting of flour covered us and the counter. We probably ate more than we gave away. I still have the recipe and a few of my mother’s treasured cookie cutters.

Cookie-cutter cookies

Another ritual involved hiking through the woods across the road on a Saturday morning to cut down a live fur, with my uncle joining us on the adventure. I remember his enthusiasm about getting out into the countryside, away from his in-town resistance. My sister, brother, and I donned thick winter pants, hooded coats, and bright red mittens made by Grandma. In upstate New York, a blanket of white always covered the forest down the hill from us. I didn’t know who owned the forested plot, but he allowed us to cut two pines, one for us and one for my Uncle George. Once we crossed the country road, we were on a mission to seek the perfect tree, regardless of the fridge temperatures or flurries.  To my disappointment, my short legs often sank into the deep, crunchy snow, making my going slow and arduous. Dad would locate the just-right tree and drag it home. To my mother’s dismay, the fur frequently ended up too tall, prompting Dad to trim the bottom and sometimes the top. It didn’t matter what the evergreen looked like, for we got it ourselves, and fresh pine whiffed through the house, waiting for an assortment of ornaments and tinsel.

We got a real tree, but not a perfect tree.

In addition, my family had another unique tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve by unwrapping presents on the Eve. Following a delicious feast of roast and potatoes, which none of us kids recall because of the excitement awaiting us, we headed towards the misshaped tree. The colored tree lights illuminated the room while screams of delight and ripping of wrapping paper filled the air. After finishing the gifts, we ate what remained of the baked goodies. I liked the idea of opening packages the night before. This tradition of opening gifts early gave us all the next day to play with our toys.

Gift-giving on Christmas Eve

Years later, when I had my family, I continued cookie-making while continuing to make a mess with flour and sugar all over me and the floor. The baking fills the house with the inviting scents of chocolate and warm, comforting aromas. My children consider homemade cookies part of the holiday. However, I can’t replicate walking in the woods to chop down a tree, but I brought over the tradition of our big celebration being on Christmas Eve.  

The comforting aroma of sugar cookies baking

On Christmas Eve, as the sky darkened, we attended service at our church, singing Silent Night by candlelight. We returned home for a holiday meal, exchanged presents, and ate cookies baked from scratch. On Christmas Day morning, we ate spicy egg and potato casserole with bagels smothered in cream cheese.. The day was casual, allowing everyone time to enjoy their haul, especially for the guys to explore their new electronics.

Recently, we developed a new tradition since my parents passed away. I ordered engraved pewter ornaments with their names and dates on them. We hang the ornaments to honor and remember my parents as a way to grieve the missing places at the Christmas table. Every year, my autistic son, Chris, looks forward to rummaging through the box of decorations to find his grandparents’ ornaments. He decides where to put them on the branches and meticulously hangs them. We share stories of his grandparents and laugh while my eyes fill with tears of cherished memories.  

My Mom’s engraved ornament

Long before my family traditions, Moses established an annual practice of Passover, in which the Jewish people celebrate how God delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Over 16 times, Moses instructed the Israelites to remember God’s miracle of deliverance and divine provision while they wandered in the wilderness. “They remembered that God was their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer (Psalm 78:35). God knew the Israelites would forget and need reminders to recollect God’s goodness.

Remember God’s deliverance.

In like manner, Paul urged the Ephesians in the New Testament to recall their rescue from darkness and Christ’s redemption. Taking part in Holy Communion commemorates Christ’s work on the cross. Our Christian faith calls us to remember the imperishable gifts of salvation, joy, and peace. During this holiday, rehearse and reflect on God’s gifts. When we do, we honor God, build our faith, and grow in thankfulness.

Remember what Christ has done.

Remember and be thankful.

Prayer:

Dear Giving God,

We thank you for the gift of Christ’s coming to be born in a manger and the redemptive work of the cross. We remember your mighty works and unconditional love. You made a way for us in Christ by your mercy and grace. May we always remember the imperishable gifts of salvation, joy, and peace.

Amen.

The Holidays can be difficult because they are hectic and demanding. Check out my post, Facing the Holidays.

Check out a post written by a guest titled, All I Want For Christmas Is A Water Buffalo by Trisha Wells.

I wrote another blog about an unwelcome gift that ended up being a blessing; please check it out. You will be encouraged.

Merry Christmas from Charleen and Walt

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