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Growing up my family had one other odd Christmas tradition. I’m not sure where it came from but I know it was in place until my mom died in 1999. I think it originated with Mama (maternal grandmother) who was rather formal and reserved.
Looking at the photo above do you notice anything about me and my sister? Besides the 1973 clothing I mean.
We never opened our Christmas presents until after every one had eaten breakfast, the dishes were cleaned and put away, and everyone was completely dressed. Plus we had to wear nice church clothes.
This continued as we got older. By the time my sister and I were in high school presents were not opened until after lunch and every one in the extended family was there. The dress code had relaxed somewhat. I have photos somewhere of my sister and I wearing jeans or pants and casual tops opening presents. By then Christmas had officially moved to our house and Mama came to visit us.
It wasn’t necessarily a bad tradition. Just an odd one to most people. Try as I might I can not think of a time when we rushed to the tree and tore into our presents right away. I know we rushed to check out our gifts but no opening until Mom and Dad said so.
In retrospect, it made the day go much smoother and more balanced. It helped us focus on what was truly important, not the gifts themselves but our family we shared the day with.
Merry Christmas!
Elizabeth
