Holiday Traditions

The holidays are filled with traditions from special foods to fun activities. As we age old traditions are modified and new ones are added. But all traditions, old or new, have one thing in common: they connect us to family and friends.

Oreo - cat in a Christmas tree!

When I first moved to Arizona in 2013, I put up three trees - one in the great room, one in the library and one in my bedroom. It was wonderful to lie in bed and watch the twinkling lights and sparkling ornaments. The trees were all full of ornaments - two or more on every branch. As time passed, I no longer put a tree in my bedroom.

With the advent of three cats under two in 2015, paper and wooden ornaments replaced delicate glass ones. Christmas trees became cat paradises. One year, ornaments didn't even make it on the tree in the library - the cats didn't care.

​Regardless of the number of trees I put up and the types of ornaments I use, I'm always reminded of the Christmases of my childhood and the excitement when the tree was first revealed after Santa came on Christmas Eve.

From an early age, I made decorations and gifts. I was particularly adept at making paper snowflakes which adorned packages and were hung in windows. Now I create jewelry from wire and gemstones and fashion wire angel and bird ornaments. I enjoy making things and learning new techniques, so the styles of jewelry and ornaments are continually evolving.

Cooking-baking is one of my family traditions. My mom made the cookies and my dad decorated them and did the dishes. Last year I made fruitcake (liberally soaked with 151-proof rum) and 10 kinds of cookies - I go just a little crazy with my holiday baking. And no, I don't eat all the cookies myself. I share them with friends and family.

And of course, I adorn myself with holiday jewelry and clothes. I have enough holiday socks to wear a different pair every day for the entire month of December. My holiday jewelry has it's own special jewelry box and includes everything from flamingos wearing Santa hats to sparkling snowflakes. Wearing Grinch socks or snowman earrings just makes my day more joyful!

​Whatever your holiday traditions, have a wonderful and joyous holiday season!