The following is a true story, and has been a Christmas tradition between I and my husband for the past five years:
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There are holiday traditions in every family, and in mine there are two. We save the wishbone from the Thanksgiving Turkey, and break it on Christmas Eve- and we don't set up our Christmas tree until the very same night, after all of the kids have drifted off to sleep.
Several seasons ago I discovered a new, more personal tradition...
It was my senior year in college, and I had brought home my fiance Ken over Christmas vacation to spend the holiday with my family on our small country acreage. He seemed to be overwhelmed with my picturesque family and home from the second that my mother answered the door in her fifty dollar apron, air smelling of gingerbread, and led him past the gaily bedecked stairs strewn with fir branches and red velvet bows.
I couldn't help but chuckle softly as his wide eyes took in the large immaculate house that seemed to be something out of Better Homes and Gardens, with boyish amazement. I motioned for him to take off his shoes, and sock-footed we were led upstairs with our duffel bags as snow melted in our hair.
Mom led him to the guestroom while I ran to my room to deposit my things, and took a moment to reflect. It was always good to be home- a dorm room can never get as cozy. I picked up my old doll Michelle, and hugged her to my body, staring into my vanity mirror and smiling with childish contentment. I'd always enjoyed my time here- Mom is my best friend, my stepdad is a funny guy, and my three little brothers are just great. I found myself rummaging through things on the vanity table, immersed in fond memories of my family, when I was jolted from my reverie by a large thunk. Remembering Ken, I hurried to the guest room.