Sample, sample, sample! Here’s another chapter of my new book, Hair on Fire: A Heartwarming & Humorous Christmas Memoir.
Chapter 8: What Are Your Christmas Traditions?
In my country childhood, we had many Christmas traditions: the fun and adventure of cutting down a tree from our ranch, hilarious Christmas programs at the church and school, and fun-filled Christmas caroling around our small town. Our family dominated this holiday’s focus.
My dad’s parents lived just across town, so most of my childhood Christmas Eves were spent at their house.
Christmas at the Horners’
It was a big affair,
especially when Granddad got all
sixteen grandchildren together.
That meant a holiday house full.
Each year, my Christmas outfit was always special.
One year
a white dress with a gathered skirt,
trimmed in red,
made by Mom.
Grandma, decked out in her festive apron,
worried over the meal.
She made the best mashed potatoes,
smothered in butter.
Granddad’s job came after dinner.
The table was set on the porch so
we could all fit,
a long line of smiles and laughter.
For those of us who knew the tradition,
anticipation set in.
We tried to hurry the process,
with no success.
Finally, after a leisurely cup of coffee and a cigarette,
Granddad would disappear to the front door.
His shout rang through the whole house!
It had begun.
“I just saw Santa Claus fly over. Come quick.”
We’d race to the front door,
and
he would race to the back door.
“No, no, he’s out here now. Come this way.”
We’d race to the back door.
This would go on for
what seemed like eternity,
and I never did see Santa, a reindeer,
or his sleigh.
I was always a second too late!
But this also meant that it was time
to open our gifts that had mysteriously spilled out from
under the Christmas tree.
A traditional Christmas with the Horners meant
cousins,
aunts and uncles,
sometimes great aunts
from Tulsa, Oklahoma,
good food,
lots of laughter,
and
traditions that filled my heart with joy and
family connection!
Larada Horner-Miller, This Tumbleweed Landed (2014): 67-68.
What was your favorite Christmas tradition?
Sample and savor this precious memory of mine! What was a special childhood tradition you enjoyed at Christmas? Tell me about it!
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