Time for 10 on the 10th Link-up with Leslie at Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After. For the final month of 2020, of course, it’s holiday celebrations. I have such fond memories and traditions from growing up in a small town and close-knit community in the Midwest. I still hold those memories dear but then again, childhood Christmas memories are probably dear to many of us.
- Christmas Eve was always so much fun. This evening was spent with my mom’s side of the family at my grandparent’s home. We all went to a Candlelight Service at church first. After that everyone met at my grandparent’s for a traditional Norwegian meal and presents. The evening always ended with my Uncle Dale sharing slides from their family vacation over the summer. It was always interesting with their five kids traveling in a station wagon.
- My grandma always made plenty of lefse. She made the best and taught my cousin Nancy her tricks. Her legacy lives on.
- Another favorite food was Kringle, which my Aunt Adoline was an expert at making. Again, my Cousin Nancy has now mastered the craft.
- Does it sound like my life revolved around food at Christmas, but isn’t that sorta true for all of us? Another food favorite prepared by my beloved Grandma was Swedish Meatballs.
- Another favorite memory of Christmas in Iowa is snow. I will always love a white Christmas, but sadly I don’t see them often any longer. Truthfully, I don’t miss the weather in the Midwest but Christmas is more beautiful to me with snow.
- A newer favorite tradition is watching It’s a Wonderful Life. I remember it being on TV when I was a kid, but never watched it. Now I watch it every year…at least once.
- A newer tradition that I have created for myself is reading an Advent devotional. I’m reading this one through a free e-book at my library.
- My husband and I have always gone out and done some Black Friday shopping. It’s our “fun” little tradition but COVID put more of a damper on that… as it did for almost everything this year.
- My mom was so good at Christmas. She never put name tags on any packages and she remembered exactly which belonged to each person. We were always surprised and that was her intent.
- This is the second year in a row that we have displaced for Christmas. Last year we were returning back to Texas after moving to Iowa (a disaster of every level). We had no tree or gift exchange. This year we are living in an extended stay hotel. No room for a tree and hopefully our “gift” will be moving into a home within the next couple of week.
Christmas ~ the light shined into the dark world as Jesus was born and is still the greatest gift. He wasn’t born in his own home but was birthed in a stable. I cannot lose sight that we too are displaced at this time of year with no home of our own {yet}. So what truly matters is having Him.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. ~ Luke 2:8-11
Sending you the beauty of the Season ~ Carrie xoxo
Michele Morin says
I keep hearing about Tsh’s book!
And let’s hear it for all the foodie food of Christmas!
Joanne says
Yes, I have so many wonderful holiday memories that center around food!
kirstin troyer says
I enjoyed reading your list…so sorry you are displaced right now. I have heard of that book as well, so should probably add it to my list. I joined in this month as well.
Leslie Susan Clingan says
Aww, so glad you joined me. A what a beautiful post, Carrie. Would love to sample all that good eating from your Christmases past. What a great memory your mama must have had to remember who each package was for. I could wrap them and forget as soon as I finished!!
Hoping we can do a number of great things together in the coming year. And praying you will be homeowners again any minute!!
jodie filogomo says
How can life not revolve around food at Christmas?? LOL!!
OXOX
JOdie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom says
Yes, the food does make it fun. I have never had lefse before! I hope you find a home soon, I am sure Covid makes it more challenging!!
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Laura Bambrick says
All of this food is making me hungry again! It was fun to read about your traditions! We have some kringle frozen that I hope to pull out for Christmas Eve or Christmas breakfast! I love kringle!
Jennifer Smith says
An advent devotional – that is a wonderful idea. I have done something similar but only for the last couple of years. I guess I don’t quite consider it a tradition yet:) Your special holiday dishes sound delicious!! I have never even heard of kringle or lefse…but I think I would love to try!!