My mother was like a child at Christmas time. She LOVED Christmas and she passed that on to my siblings and myself. Christmas was not about the glitter and glamor but about the birth of Christ, family and food.
Christmas for us started from the 1st of December when the tree went up and we did the decorating with her. She put on the lights and we the decorations, until we were old enough to do everything. It was family time. I’ve done the same things with my kids and it’s just great to see their faces when the lights are on and they have done it all. What a fantastic way to bond with your kids.💕
At Christmas time we would always have family and friends coming by as my mother was as you have realized open to the world. She was a fantastic cook, so who wouldn’t want to be there? She baked fruit cake before Christmas so she could share and that she did with glee.
Christmas Day was a feast. Roast chicken, baked chicken, huge ham, pork leg and I could go on and on. Food never meant a lot to me it was the love that was placed in doing it all. I was only allowed to have breakfasted then dinner so that I would eat dinner. She never trust me that I would eat enough. 🤣.
My mother died in December and was buried on the 17th. It was really hard for my sisters and I. Especially as it was a week before Christmas. That year we wouldn’t even cook. However one of my aunts insisted that we not stop her traditions because she had died. We realized she was right. That year and to this day we split the cooking and each does something different. We are not our mother, can’t and won’t do it all.
Merry Christmas to all. Merry Christmas Mommy. I will always miss you but you will always be in my heart.
As part of the extended family (adopted…lol), I was grateful for the opportunity to join in the preparations, moreso the preparation of the batter.
Having a Red Stripe with friends, laughing, and even falling asleep ’till next morning was a part of my life that I attributed to ‘moms’. For this I am grateful – ALL hail mom’s!!!
I will never stop telling about this part of my life……..
Well said my friend. That was a great time in our lives. She made it fun and that’s what life should be about.
It’s a lovely tradition. Merry Christmas cuz. Do enjoy the season.
Happy holidays to you too sweetie. 🤗
Your post has me singing It’s a most wonderful time of the year.
I know what you mean about Christmas bringing out the child in your mom, God rest her soul. It’s the same with my mom… me too truth be told. My mom gladly tells you December is her month… and let’s face it you can’t blame her, she’s a Christmas baby… literally… born on Christmas day.
I guess that’s why we were raised to love Christmas so much. We were taught that it’s a time for family, sharing, love, peace, joy and of course that there is a Christ in CHRISTMAS.
Come December 1 the tree goes up and the house is decorated. Food and fellowship are also central to our celebration. We observe the family tradition of going to church for midnight mass on Christmas Eve or service early Christmas morning. This is followed by a Jamaican breakfast with ackee and saltfish, roast breadfruit, fried dumpling and of course ham. Then later the annual family Christmas dinner with the extended family… with different persons assigned to prepare a dish or two. We would top off the evening with my mom’s famed Christmas cake and her “surprise” birthday cake. I’m already salivating.
This year, even though my mom is sick, we’re still keeping all the family traditions… we’ll be trying a thing with the Christmas cake… under her watchful eye… fingers crossed.
It’s still a most wonderful time of the year.
Well said my friend. It’s about Christ and family.
Merry Christmas! Make sure you eat your belly full lol
I will try 🤣
Very good. You remembered quite vividly. Kudos to your Aunt, you are living vicariously through your Mother. Christmas is a wonderful time of year. Continue perpetuating a historic tradition, from the three wuse men. Gifts and all.
Merry Christmas to you and enjoy. I will continue to ensure my kids enjoy and see the true meaning.