This time of year, some folks get caught up in the hustle and bustle and stress of the holiday season, while others keep things much more simple. Still others feel caught in the former group while wishing they were part of the second — and reflecting upon the simple but oh so happy Christmases of the Ingalls family, wonder why their own families can’t be so happy with such simple pleasures.
So here’s my question to you — do you have any traditions, or are you hoping to start any new ones, that may give YOUR family a “Little House” Christmas? (It doesn’t have to be something directly related to Little House, although it certainly might be — but anything you’re including in your holiday celebrations to focus on simplicity, or on the true meaning of Christmas.)
I’m sure there are lots of wonderful ideas out there, and by sharing, maybe we’ll discover some new ideas we’d like to make part of our own Christmas!
I have always loved the fact the Christmas in the Ingalls home was very simple,and of course,that is mostly due to the fact that they didn’t have alot of money.They were very grateful for what they recieved,whether it be a pair of mittins,a candy cane,or a shiny new penny.
Each year I have tried to make Christmas more simple and old fashioned. Less goes on the tree,I go out in the woods and gather greenery and berries for decorations.That is not to say that I don’t use store bought decorations,but they are ones that I have had a long time. There is one tradition that I continue,and that is pork pies on Christmas Eve.Both of my parents come from French Canadian backgrounds,and pork pie is the one French Canadian tradtion that I grew up with. We only have them on Christmas Eve,no other time of the year. Now that I am married and have a child of my own,I have family come to my house for pork pies.This tradition has been going on for several generations. I can honestly say I can live without presents,but pork pie on Christmas Eve I cannot!!!
Well, like many of you, we HAVE to watch “Christmas at Plum Creek” (my absolute favorite) and “The Christmas They Never Forgot” (my daughter’s favorite). We also read the Christmas chapters in all the LH books.
For many years I have collected ornaments as my souvenier when we travel – which is quite a bit, so I have lots – and those decorate our tree. But other than the tree, we have taken to decorating with local (wild) greenery & berries (I live in Texas so we do have them even at this time of year) instead of store-bought stuff. We also make clove apples and oranges, like Ma did in LHBW.
One thing I never have done, but would like to, is make a cranberry-and-popcorn garland. Who knows, maybe this will be the year…