The Joy of Christmas: Celebrating with Family or Alone?
Christmas can be a highly anticipated time of year, filled with family gatherings, holiday traditions, and togetherness. But given the choice, would you prefer to spend the holiday with a gathering of extended family and friends, or with your immediate family only? This article explores the dynamics of different Christmas traditions and the unique perspectives of a family of eight children, who have their own unique way of celebrating.
Extended Family or Immediate Family?
For many, the idea of spending Christmas with an extended family can be thrilling. However, as we learn from this family story, it can also be quite chaotic. The author, coming from a large family of eight, remembers the craziness of Christmas celebrations earlier in life. As the children grew up and started their own families, the availability and ease of gathering on Christmas Day became a challenge.
The "Second Day of Christmas" Tradition
To overcome this, the family instituted a "Second Day of Christmas" tradition. This annual event, lasting 45 years, has seen no one in the family attempting to gather on the actual Christmas Day. Instead, they celebrate on January 1st, the day after. The author's parents were wholly supportive of this arrangement, realizing that coordinating schedules for a whole family of eight and their respective families was a daunting task.
Professional Schedules and Off Work Days
For all these years, the family managed to organize their schedules such that everyone could have the day off work on the day after Christmas. This arrangement not only preserved the joy of the holiday but also ensured that everyone was available for the celebration. The only exception to this rule was a single year when the author missed the celebration due to illness. According to the author, Christmas Day became a low-key, relaxing day where they would open presents, take turns, and enjoy each other's company without any rushed or forced activities.
Other Christmas Traditions
The family also had some unique traditions. The author's wife, a stay-at-home mother, introduced "Mama doesn’t cook on Christmas" as her day off. They would put out fixings for sandwiches, cold cuts, cheese, and finger food, allowing everyone to enjoy a casual meal. Another tradition was to play with the gifts on Christmas Day but save them for later by writing thank-you cards to those who had gifted them something.
Adjusting to the Pandemic
Unfortunately, the pandemic brought a new challenge to this well-established tradition. This year, the family is trying their best to celebrate without catching or spreading the Coronavirus. Despite the absence of the "Second Day of Christmas," the family will still gather for a big family feast on Christmas Eve. They invite extended family and friends for the meal and occasionally go to Midnight Mass, weather and health permitting.
The Quiet Aftermath
Christmas Day is more of a quiet time for the author and their spouse. On these days, they often watch a fun movie together. They extend an invitation to others who want to join them, but it tends to be an intimate group. However, this last year presented unexpected plans, making their usual celebration a bit different.
Conclusion
The joy of Christmas is not just about the holidays themselves but also the traditions and family dynamics that make them memorable. Whether you prefer gathering with extended family or spending the day with your immediate family, the true essence of the holiday is the love and togetherness it brings. The experiences of this family of eight remind us that every celebration has its unique charm, and adapting to new circumstances is a testament to the flexibility and resilience of family traditions.