Every time I hear the word tradition – the song from Fiddler on the Roof plays in my mind.
Tradition …
Traditions can be good to keep and fun to do. Two of the things we enjoy are going to the annual Christkindl Market held at our City Hall which is turned into a beautiful German-style Christmas market (albeit, much smaller than in cities like Stuttgart or Munich) and watching an outdoor Nativity Pageant preformed by a local church.
Taking my grandson to see the toy train village and meeting friends is part of the fun. I love supporting Canadian artisans and vendors. Helping local and small businesses has always been important to me.
We dressed warmly and brought blankets to watch the Nativity play in the subfreezing night air. It brings tears to my eyes to hear the story of Christ’s birth. It gives me goosebumps when they conclude the play with (a man playing the part of) the risen Saviour entering through the stone gateway, depicting the reason for His coming–because He loves everyone and brings peace to our hearts.
Another tradition we enjoy during the holidays is driving around our neighbourhood after dark to be awed by all the dazzling lights people adorn their homes and trees with. Some folks go all out and make it look spectacular; extravagant perhaps, but I still love it! If the weather isn’t bitter cold we take a little evening stroll through Victoria Park to enjoy the beautiful festival of lights.
My favourite tradition is our family gathering for Christmas Eve and going to the Candlelight Service to sing the beloved, traditional Christmas carols. Our dance group has done many processions and pageants over the years. One of my favourites is doing a dance processional with candles to Carol of the Bells. One year we were part of a Christmas musical on 100 Huntley Street TV show–dancing angels.
Sleeping in on Christmas morning and staying in my PJs till after brunch is so relaxing after the holiday rush. No presents to open because we already opened them on Christmas Eve (a German tradition that I thought my mom invented because we love sleeping in on holidays). Time to kickback and relax, enjoy the peacefulness of a quiet day at home Or a leisurely afternoon drive on the back roads to visit our grandchildren.
This morning I woke up to the sound of Christmas melodies echoing through the house. Brunch was ready and the smell of fresh coffee lured me out of bed. Thanks to my thoughtful hubby!
As children we found out that our Canadian friends open their gifts on Christmas Day. They all thought we were lucky that Santa came to our place first. One year we asked if we could celebrate the Canadian way, but when Christmas Eve arrived, my brother and I couldn’t wait and we decided to celebrate the German way after all. Waiting a whole year is hard enough.
Watching the timeless A Christmas Carol and the heart-warming It’s a Wonderful Life while snuggled up on the sofa with a cup of herbal tea and Christmas cookies is something I’ve always looked forward to.
fashion with compassion 
As always, I enjoy reading your blog. One year, David and Brian had to wait an extra day (Santa worked overtime an extra night …ha ha…) because Mom came home Dec. 26 with their new brother (born on Dec. 20….in those days, Mom and the newbie stayed in hospital for several days).
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Wonderful traditions and I know it was a wonderful Christmas. Ours was a bit more quiet as my sons are older and hubby lost his mother in August, but we did watch countless hours of “A Christmas Story” marathon. Wishing you and yours a blessed and prosperous New Year!
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Thank you Antionette! Quiet can be peaceful and less stress, but losing a loved one is very sad indeed, especially since your hubby lost his mom so recently and this being the first Christmas without her. So sorry for your loss.
May God comfort you and give you peace in your hearts!
♥ carmen
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A lovely post, Carmen. I like to know their traditions and habits at Christmas. I think your city should be beautiful, and walking the streets at night, admiring the lights, should be a show. See a representation on the street, so cold, maybe it would be too strong for me (LOL). I admire your sensitivity to explain things. Thank you.
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Thank you Josep-Maria! I’m glad you like my post about our Christmas traditions. The lights are truly lovely! We have had some bad weather (including an ice storm) and were without heat and electricity for one day. There are still some places that have been without heat and electricity all week! That is so difficult because it is extremely cold. It makes me very grateful for electricity, especially in winter!!
Thanks for stopping by and I hope you are enjoying the holidays!!
♥ carmen
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