An Irish Tree and Family

Christmas always focused on the family getting together and enjoying each others's company. My mother would bake a cake for baby Jesus and on Christmas Eve we would sing Happy Birthday to Him. Then we would play games and participate in a Yankee Swap. My family has a strong Irish Heritage so, my mother always made a big deal about her Irish Christmas Tree (a tree devised of all Irish ornaments, Clover garland and green beaded strings).

Christmas day was a time when Paul and I would spend quiet time with our children, we'd make a Huge family breakfast and pull out all of the best dishes. We would talk about the things that we love about the season and we did a lot of laughing! We would then spend the later part of Christmas day with Paul's family. Of course the day is never complete until we watch the Christmas Story which plays around the clock on television. I personally find great joy in watching Paul laugh heartily at the same scenes year after year!

This year it seems that our traditions are changing. My mother and father have passed away; however I have inherited the Irish Christmas tree! So, as we put up the tree this year we talked about how "Nanny" would make Christmas fun for the kids and how the Irish tree was such a huge part of Christmas. My sister will be bringing the birthday cake for Baby Jesus and we will all gather at our house to play games and participate in a yankee swap. The twist for this year is that all yankee swap gifts must be home made. No store bought gifts allowed! Everyone is very excited about this and have been spending lots and lots of time considering their individual creativity and what they would like to make.

Our daughter has gotten married and has a home of her own. So, I am not sure what Christmas day will be like this year - but, I am excited at the new traditions that are forming! One thing is for sure - The Christmas Story will be watched!

The Winchester's