Today, I’m starting to take down some of the Christmas decorations around my apartment, so I figured this would be a good time to reflect on all of the festivities that started with putting the tree and lights and ornaments up in the first place.
The days leading up to Christmas were a whirlwind of activity. Fortunately, once Christmas Eve rolled around I was able to find time to relax, well, sort of.
It was our first Christmas at my parent’s new home in West Bend, but it felt like they’ve been there for years. The house was decorated like the home I grew up in with several trees covered in ornaments, poinsettias on top of each table, stockings hanging from the mantel and Nat King Cole carols ringing throughout the entire house.
When we arrived, Eric and I settled in front of the Packers game just in time for kickoff, although I wish we hadn’t since the Bears made the Pack look like they were in the Pee Wee League. As my dad sat enthralled by the game, I cringed as I watched and eventually distracted myself by playing tug-of-war with the dogs and indulging in mom’s sugar cookies. Even though it was a tough game to sit through, it wouldn’t be Christmas without watching football!
After that train wreck of a game and a little lost pride, it was time to make pierogies. This is a long-standing tradition for my family. Each year we use my grandma Cinpinski's recipe, which has been passed down to my mom and now to me, and on Christmas Eve it’s customary to fry them and gobble them up.
Following dinner, my mom, Eric and I played several games of Rummikub while my brother and sister watched movies, and then we finally called it a night. But just as fast as I fell asleep, Christmas Eve was upon us. I jumped out of bed with a burst of excitement – that’s quite uncharacteristic for a non-morning person like me – because Christmas Eve is my favorite day during the holiday season. I swear you can feel the sincerity, peace and love wrapped all around you.
This year, we decided that my family would open presents on Christmas Eve and that Eric and I would celebrate Christmas Day in Illinois with his family. So, the day began with minor preparations, a couple Christmas cartoons like Frosty the Snowman and A Charlie Brown Christmas, followed by a feast of Polish favorites, ham, potatoes, and so on. The rest of the night was spent drinking wine and spiked eggnog, opening presents, and then relaxing together in front of a roaring fire while watching the marathon of A Christmas Story on TBS over and over and over again.
Holidays at my family’s house are always simple and cozy and relaxing, which was the perfect antidote for a hectic month. That night was particularly special – mainly because we can sometimes be quite the dysfunctional bunch as most families can be from time to time.
Then, it was Christmas Day.
Everyone got up early and had breakfast, Eric learned how to chop wood with the neighbors (don’t ask), and then we were off to Illinois. My new GPS worked like a charm (thanks Dad) as it directed us to Eric’s aunt’s farmhouse without trouble and in about three and a half hours. For the rest of the day we ate, opened more presents and sat around and visited.
I got to meet Eric’s entire family for the first time that day, which was pretty nerve-racking, but I think I made a pretty good impression. I don’t think I’ve ever felt that close to anyone else’s family before; I really like them.
On Thursday night when we got back to Milwaukee, we completely crashed. I slept about ten hours that night since I was so burnt out from all of the festivities packed into those couple of days.
It’s weird how Christmas has changed since my siblings and I are all grown up now. When we were kids we’d stay up all night waiting for Santa Claus to arrive, and then we'd want to open presents at 2 a.m. because we were so excited. While that anticipation has gone, I have gained more appreciation for my family and care more about spending quality time with them and less about what Santa brought. Nowadays, the holidays are just as exciting, but are even more meaningful as we gather around to reminisce about years past. Times like these make me thankful for what I have and who I share it with.
I'm glad you had a nice time for Christmas. I love having everyone home and all the food and fun stories I get to hear about when you kids were young. I love my family and all my time with you all.
Posted by: char | January 06, 2008 at 07:10 PM
Sounds like you had a really nice time. Thanks for sharing it.
Posted by: Amanda | January 07, 2008 at 12:01 PM
For Rummikub games, you can find all the tips and help here:
www.ginrummy.tblog.com
Enjoy
Posted by: david | February 15, 2008 at 05:15 AM