This weekend was Ethical ELA’s Open Write. On Monday, Gayle Sands led us to use the ever-faithful Where I’m From form to write about holiday traditions. This prompt took me far back into my childhood neighborhood and our Christmas traditions.
I am from
the scent of Douglas fir
on a frosty morning,
Mom on piano playing
”Oh Holy Night”
while Uncle Stu sings
in perfect tenor tone.
I am from
hanging long wool socks
for Santa to fill
with oranges, chocolates, and candy canes.
I sat “Thank you” with a knowing nod to Mom.
I am from
an Advent wreath of purple and pink candles
we argued over whose turn it was to snuff,
watching the miraculous steam rise.
I am from
Aunt Alabel’s Charlotte Russe
on Christmas Eve, her cheerful voice
talking nonstop, whispered giggles
and stolen crescent rolls.
I am from
bright lights in our eyes
on Christmas morning. Mom held the light bar
while Dad rolled the movie camera. Our silent
Oohs and Aahs as the three of us explored
the land of toys. Chatty Cathy waited quietly on the couch.
I am from
rising at dawn,
Mannheim Steamroller on the record player,
comparing gifts with the neighbors,
all of us outside on new bikes,
roller skates, a bouncy basketball.
Middle America
on Beechcrest Drive.
Reflections on the Teche 
Such a wonderful writing form to remember and share traditions. A memory I share with you:
“wool socks
for Santa to fill
with oranges, chocolates, and candy canes.”
I love traditions that span the generations, passed down to my mother from her mother… and me to my children, and to their children, and now their children’s children. No matter where we are on Christmas eve, all of us (not only my immediate family, but my siblings and their families) have candle salads on our dinner table–a slice of pineapple holds half of a banana candle with a maraschino cherry flame and dripping whipped cream wax.
Yes, Alice! I love passing on traditions and the sillier the better. I’ve never heard of candle salad.
It’s lovely to read about your traditions, Margaret. I enjoyed playing with that prompt in my notebook, and it has started a lively conversation with my sisters about what we remember. There’s so much sweetness and light and music in your memories — may that continue!
What a wonderful take on the George Ella Lyon stand-by. You have made it your own with these Christmas memories. “…as the three of us explored/the land of toys. Chatty Kathy sat on the couch.” This scene played out at my house, too, “Middle America…” in Portland, Oregon.
What a lovely way to give us a glimpse into your Christmas traditions!
Chatty Cathy was on my couch too! Our stockings always had apples, oranges, a banana, and a variety of nuts. I love that my daughter continues the tradition. I had a challenge finding the mixed nuts in their shells. I must start earlier next year.It’s a required tradition as the grands and I sit around my parent’s nut bowl (probably about 75 or 80 years old) and crack nuts. I may have to give this format a whirl for Poetry Friday!
I hope you will draft a poem like this. That old nut bowl should make an appearance. I love how connections are made across miles.
Margaret, traditions bring peace to a lovely holiday. Your traditions are beautifully surrounding Christmas with childhood memories. I am impressed that your little grandgirl is so gently trying to light the Advent candle. I hope your family brought the best of the season and the love of the Baby Jesus into your home.