What traditions do you make sure to keep each and every Christmas season?
Dec 02, 2025 • Last updated Dec 02, 2025 •
Linda De Jonghe File
What traditions do you make sure to keep each and every Christmas season?
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I’ve noticed that over time, traditions can change, evolve, or even fade away. Not everyone feels attached to certain customs and some might prefer to let them go. Meanwhile, others see these practices as key elements of family gatherings. A lot of the younger family members might not understand their importance and could find them annoying or silly.
We really have to think about everyone’s feelings and approach these expectations with kindness and humor.
<p Growing up, there were so many “must-do” things during the holidays. We would kick things off with midnight mass followed by coffee, snacks, and a shot (or two) of whiskey that lasted late into the night. I think they did this hoping we’d sleep in a bit the next morning.
A lot of times presents still needed wrapping after the kids were in bed. Of course, we were up early anyway but knew better than to touch anything until Mom and Dad were awake with coffee brewed.
After opening our gifts, we had just a moment to play before all five of us kids would get cleaned up, dressed nicely, and head out to visit all our godparents-sometimes stopping at six places-eating at each one while receiving a gift from our respective godparent before finally making our way to our grandparents’ house in Norwich for Christmas dinner along with Tante Anna and Nonkle Godfrey plus all our cousins from Otterville.
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I know the kids had an amazing time; they loved every second of it without ever seeming tired from all the hustle. I can’t remember any complaints from adults either although I’m sure they must have been exhausted. That’s just how it was done back then so we went along with it.
As years rolled by and we grew older much of the running around slowed down. We still ended up at Meme and Grampa’s for supper until Meme thought it would be easier for everyone-especially her-if she visited our aunt’s house for lunch and ours for supper instead.
Eventually all five of us along with our families started going straight to Mom and Dad’s place. Mom usually waited on what meal was planned by the other side before deciding on hers; those who had two families often found themselves eating two big meals in one day but everyone ended up at the farm in La Salette in the evening.
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After Dad passed away and Mom moved out, there wasn’t really a central place anymore so now each person takes turns hosting family gatherings. With all our families expanding-and some choosing to stay home on Christmas Day-we’ve settled into having a full family day on another date besides December 25th. Last year we rented out the community hall (the old school) in La Salette.
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We organize food together where everyone brings something so that we enjoy a traditional feast complete with turkey and ham alongside lots of non-traditional main dishes, sides, and desserts too. We come together to chat, play games, laugh together while meeting new faces (babies or significant others), eat good food without gifts or pressure-just fun chaos filled with love from family!
I believe it’s a wonderful tradition that I hope sticks around for years ahead! Alright now I’m feeling nostalgic-it’s funny how much more often that happens as you get older!
You know it’s really not about keeping traditions alive; it’s truly about creating memories together! Let’s make plenty more happy ones!
Please pass the aioli and guacamole.
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