As of the last few years, old traditions have collided with new ideas and spawned new traditions in our family. My favorite holiday has always been Christmas. I wasn't raised religiously. Although I vaguely remember my mom volunteering at vacation bible school when I was in pre-school, I don't recall ever stepping foot in church with either of my parents. Christmas was not a particularly sacred holiday in the sense of religion. But it wasn't all about getting either. It was more the traditions of the holiday that roped me in. The spirit of giving, visits with relatives, meals shared, doing for others what you should do year round.
I particularly loved Santa, or the essence of Santa. His spirit and jolly demeanor, well, everything about him. Unfortunately, my son doesn't share my love of the fat elf. As an adult, he believes the lie of Santa is an unfair thing to put upon a child. I thought he might change when he had his own children, but it's been more of a compromise than a change. This is how our compromise works.
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| Winter Solstice 2012 |
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We live on a farm and so last year (first grandbaby of mine still in the womb), we began the tradition of Winter Solstice. I researched the event and it appears that many of the Santa roots are intrinsic in the Winter Solstice celebrations. We have a meal that is as much of what we grow on our farm as possible. As soon as the sun is down, we build our Solstice fire. There is a speech and we each have a part to play in our thanksgivings. After that, we settle inside to open our gifts (gifts are part of Solstice too) next to my Christmas tree. There will be presents from Santa to my granddaughter. When she is old enough to understand, she'll know that grandma and grandpa are Santa. She'll also know about the real Saint Nicholas and the Shamans who were the first Santa's - because I will teach her.
On Christmas Day, we travel a couple of hours for traditional celebrations with my mom. My son and family will be there too. They then go on to her parents' home for more traditional celebrations of Christmas.
Our multi-tradition Christmas/Solstice celebrations has been wonderful for me - the season lasts even longer!
12 comments:
I'm glad your son isn't banning Santa completely! Sounds like a terrific compromise. Enjoy that beautiful little granddaughter. They grow up into grouchy teens so fast!
You betcha, Jannine and so true!
What a fun way to spend Christmas. I know it will be fantastic with your granddaughter. I think Santa is a fun lie to tell to children. :-) Great way to compromise!
I love the compromises you've made, and the way you have included ancient beliefs into your celebration. You've proven how to love diversity - thanks for writing about your new/old traditions.
What a great idea! Invite me. I love bonfires and food and singing and lots more.
Great opportunity to prolong the season. Congratulations, Brenda, on raising an open minded son. It is all about enjoying family whatever the particulars.
Yep, Alicia. I'm fine with the Santa lie but I'll have to do it a bit differently! LOL
Thanks, Ashantay!
Barbara - come on by. :)
Yes, Margo, have to say he is the product of our upbringing. And he's a wonderful, sensitive person - with a mind of his own. LOL
Great compromise. It's wonderful how you've incorporated new traditions with old.
Thanks, Diane. It's a work in progress.
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