Holiday Blog Meme (Part 1)

I thought it would be fun to take part in the Sew Mama Sew's Handcrafters' Holiday Blog Meme. I'll do "Traditions" today, and "Gifts" sometime later this week.

What is your favorite family holiday tradition?

Growing up we received our stockings in a real nylon stocking, a single leg stocking, I'm not sure how to describe, its like pantyhose but only one leg. We didn't hang these on the mantle, they just showed up Christmas morning layed out on the floor. There was always an orange and a couple of walnuts at the foot of the stocking and it would be stretched out really long. You could see right through it so you could see everything that was inside. The usual line up of goodies included "Flicks" chocolates (a favorite from my Mom's childhood), lifesaver book, toothbrush, some kind of yummy smelling soap or lotion along with other goodies.

Have you started any new traditions with your family that you didn’t practice growing up?

For the past two years, since our son was born my husband and I have made our own holiday photo card to send to our family and friends. Its fun to take the family photo and then choose our materials and design. We cut the paper and paste the photos to the cards. I can see my son getting more involved with this as he gets older and everyone seems to enjoy receiving a handmade card.

What do you love most about the holiday season?

I like making and giving gifts to friends and family. But honestly I dislike the holiday season, see answer below.

What do you like least about the holiday season?

Oh, where to begin. I dread the cold weather. I hate to see the store parking lots packed with cars, all the shopping and focus on material items. I hate the pressure of having to find gifts for people. I hate that the month goes by so quickly and there is never enough time to make everything I plan to make and still every year I refuse to start early.

Anyone close to your heart that you’ll be missing this year?

Yes, I will miss my Dad. This is our 5th Christmas without him and its not the same without him here.

What is your favorite holiday food?

Hmmm, has to be my Mom's apple pie. I love it for every occasion!

Comments

[Rachel]

Funny, I always got those lifesaver books too. And I remember looking at the fruit and nuts in the stocking thinking "oh, filler."

[carolyn]

yep we got life saver book when I was a kid too. I only liked one or two flavors so my sister ate the rest.
I always like January because I like indoor winter activities like knitting, and playing game. This is what I think the holidays are about anyway NOT all the idiotic shopping. I love giving gifts and never want to wait until the holidays to give them.

[Teddi]

Ahhh...the lifesaver book and toothbrush! What do you think they were trying to tell us? I remember "Flicks" chocolates..too funny! I love the nylon hose stocking - it would really stretch and the fact that you could see through it would be a hoot! (Maybe I'll try it out on my kids one of these years!) I miss the oranges, nuts and 'filler' of yesteryear!