Christmas--Same As Ever, But Different
It might be because I don't recall having any particular traditions associated with Christmas growing up. We had the tree and presents, and when we moved to Germany, we spent Christmas Eve with my grandparents and had mulled wine and cookies, but otherwise I don't recall anything in particular that I associate with the Christmasses of my childhood. Anyway, I think that this is why I was so set on creating traditions with my kids, and we have held onto most of them through the years, despite the fact that I am no longer the devout Catholic convert I was. I don't even consider myself as practicing any religion these days, yet the trappings of Catholicism remain a part of Christmas for our household. The oldest one since my kids were born was going to Mass on Christmas Eve, and this year I chose to stay home to set out the buffet that has become tradition in the last few years. It made the evening far less stressful for me, as I had three hours to prepare the hors d'oe...