This blog is as much about me as it is about travel – so here’s a little personal look into my Christmas past that has absolutely nothing to do with travel – but everything to do with family and tradition. As my family has grown older and evolved – new traditions take over. However, at this time of year, I’m always thinking about our old traditions and how special they were to me.
Christmas Eve
Every Christmas Eve we’d all get dressed up and drive into town to go to candlelight service (which I was terrified of as a kid!). We’d count all of the lighted Christmas trees on our way to and from church and see who could find the most. We’d come home and take photos by the Christmas tree and then feast on a huge meal of turkey or duck. We were never allowed to open gifts before Christmas. We’d watch the old version of The Christmas Carol on PBS that evening by the fireplace.
One thing was for certain – I could never sleep on Christmas Eve. I still remember that childlike anticipation and excitement that took over my whole body and mind on Christmas Eve. I would wake up every hour and look at the clock in anticipation. As an adult, I cherish that memory of absolute pure excitement. I often wish I could experience that feeling again – but wonder if it’s ever really possible. Our adult lives have become so complicated these days; the holidays are more stressful than they are exciting. Some of my travels have come close, but I don’t really think the feeling can be replicated.
Christmas Morning
Christmas morning would finally come after what I thought was the longest night ever! My parents had a rule that I couldn’t get up before 7 AM so I would lay in my bed and wait until the magic time and then proceed to wake everyone else in my family up to see what Santa brought under the tree. As you can see from the picture above, Santa was pretty kind to us. We spent the morning opening gifts, putting together toys, and eating homemade cinnamon rolls.
Those are my old family traditions – what’s yours?
I hope you have a Merry Christmas and Holiday Season with the people you love!
Check out all the best gifts for friends going traveling
Read about quirky Christmas traditions in Catalonia, Spain
By Barbara Weibel December 24, 2011 - 12:56 pm
A lovely trip down memory lane. Looks just like my Christmases as a child in Chicago.
By Sherry December 24, 2011 - 11:36 pm
Have a great Holiday Barbara!!
By Roberto December 25, 2011 - 8:05 pm
FELIZ NAVIDAD AND GOD BLESS YOU NOW AND FOREVER!
By Your Sister December 29, 2011 - 10:41 am
Did you really wear those green knit bells around your neck? I’m almost as annoyed as I’m sure I was then.
By Sherry December 30, 2011 - 9:12 am
Ha! You were a fashion trendsetter ‘Marsha’!
By California traveler December 30, 2011 - 12:19 pm
Reminds me of my childhood as well. Back when those quality toys were made, that sell for a fortune now! My brother had that very same punching bag. Your photos could almost be my family photos. 🙂 Merry Christmas!!!
By JoAnna December 30, 2011 - 2:08 pm
I had the exact same Playskool house you did, which is in the last photo you posted. I loved that thing! My Playskool people had beds, a dog and even little chairs. Those were the days of growing the imagination!
By Alf Welch January 5, 2012 - 11:36 pm
Childhood Christmases, Happy memories that can never be replicated as an adult. If only.
The nearest you can come is to look into a child’s eyes on Christmas Morning.
By Maria Acceleratedstall December 3, 2012 - 6:10 pm
Fantastic share here Sherry – I squealed, seriously, out loud when I saw the Fisher Price house and bus on a string in your photo – I remember those.
By Tricia Irish December 18, 2013 - 12:29 pm
Looks just like the Christmas’s in Moline, except I didn’t have siblings. Same traditions. Same schedule. Thanks!
By Joy McArthur December 24, 2023 - 10:22 am
I loved seeing the photos. Your parents are the best! Great memories
By Vicki Hill December 24, 2023 - 1:03 pm
Loved this article & all the photos!! So fun to think back to the excitement we had when we’re little (& realize what fortunate childhoods we had too). Happy Christmas to you & all your family. May 2024 be amazing & fantastic for all of us!