What a gorgeous post. I love learning about the traditions that bring true joy and light (as a counter to the ones that are performed out of obligation).
I love this post. We celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas (12/6). We would leave our shoes out the night before and in the morning we would find chocolate coins, a small gift, and an orange in them.
The older I get, the more I reflect on those things about the Christmas traditions of my childhood that I so took for granted at the time. As the oldest (and only) daughter in my family, I would have loved to wear a crown and candles!! I was (still am) always a sleepyhead, and my youngest brother would come jump on my bed Christmas morning to get me up so we could open presents. Amazing how much I miss that! And going to church on Christmas Eve, singing "Silent Night" by candlelight in the little church of my hometown, brought me such a sense of inner peace. I've tried to recreate that experience as an adult here in Portland occasionally, and just can't -- because the same people aren't around me anymore. I am so glad you've kept some of your traditions alive, Kaarin -- they are precious :)
Shirley, you reminded me that one of the traditions I miss is attending the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. You're right -- our traditions -- and memories -- are so precious.
I love Christmas so much, but it’s also a time that brings the sharp edge of the people who aren’t here anymore. I have a light-up Christmas penguin from my friend who I lost in 2014, which I set out every year. I also have two of my grandma’s favorite Christmas ornaments that I always hang front and center. I used to call her every year to ask her to remind me how to make the gravy just like she did. Now I do my best, and pour it over the mashed potatoes she taught me to make.
Kaarin I think you know that our family too follows the Santa Lucia tradition... modified in three key ways: I made the coffee (as the oldest), each of my 4 sisters took turns wearing the wreath and delivering the buns and coffee to parents in bed (!), and it was celebrated Christmas morning before presents around the tree.
After my sisters made the delivery upstairs to Mom & Dad, I was authorized to turn the tree lights on... the smell of saffron on Christmas Eve will be with me forever. Hygge indeed.
David, how could I not know this?? Thank you so much for sharing -- I love how you guys modified the tradition to be more inclusive -- But kept that most important part -- the saffron buns!!
Life has finally slowed. Loved hearing about you family and country heritage. Hope all is well.
What a gorgeous post. I love learning about the traditions that bring true joy and light (as a counter to the ones that are performed out of obligation).
Jennifer, thank you. I agree -- the more joy and light the better!
I love this post. We celebrate the Feast of St. Nicholas (12/6). We would leave our shoes out the night before and in the morning we would find chocolate coins, a small gift, and an orange in them.
Laura, what a wonderful tradition. Thanks for sharing your memory!
The older I get, the more I reflect on those things about the Christmas traditions of my childhood that I so took for granted at the time. As the oldest (and only) daughter in my family, I would have loved to wear a crown and candles!! I was (still am) always a sleepyhead, and my youngest brother would come jump on my bed Christmas morning to get me up so we could open presents. Amazing how much I miss that! And going to church on Christmas Eve, singing "Silent Night" by candlelight in the little church of my hometown, brought me such a sense of inner peace. I've tried to recreate that experience as an adult here in Portland occasionally, and just can't -- because the same people aren't around me anymore. I am so glad you've kept some of your traditions alive, Kaarin -- they are precious :)
Shirley, you reminded me that one of the traditions I miss is attending the candlelight service on Christmas Eve. You're right -- our traditions -- and memories -- are so precious.
I love Christmas so much, but it’s also a time that brings the sharp edge of the people who aren’t here anymore. I have a light-up Christmas penguin from my friend who I lost in 2014, which I set out every year. I also have two of my grandma’s favorite Christmas ornaments that I always hang front and center. I used to call her every year to ask her to remind me how to make the gravy just like she did. Now I do my best, and pour it over the mashed potatoes she taught me to make.
Awww...such sweet ways to remember loved ones (dogs, too!) we've lost. The holidays are bittersweet for sure.
Kaarin I think you know that our family too follows the Santa Lucia tradition... modified in three key ways: I made the coffee (as the oldest), each of my 4 sisters took turns wearing the wreath and delivering the buns and coffee to parents in bed (!), and it was celebrated Christmas morning before presents around the tree.
After my sisters made the delivery upstairs to Mom & Dad, I was authorized to turn the tree lights on... the smell of saffron on Christmas Eve will be with me forever. Hygge indeed.
David, how could I not know this?? Thank you so much for sharing -- I love how you guys modified the tradition to be more inclusive -- But kept that most important part -- the saffron buns!!
Loved reading your story. And is the recipe all purpose flour or self raising flour lol thanks.
Thank you. The flour is all purpose. Let me know what you think if you try them.