Traditions
Growing up, my family had a lot of traditions for the winter holidays. They would start during Thanksgiving, when we’d have turkey and my mom’s oyster stuffing along with fixens at my grandpa’s house in Muncie, IN. After Thanksgiving dinner, we’d put the Yule decorations up at my grandfather’s house. And everyone would exchange names for the gift exchange that would take place approximately a month later.
Then we’d go back to our home in northwest Ohio and we’d put up our own holiday decorations. One year my dad had to tie our artificial tree to the window, because it had been knocked down one too many times by whichever cat we had at the time. Probably Swizzle.
On Christmas eve, we’d all get together again. We’d order Chinese food, because that’s what you eat on Christmas eve. We’d all get in a circle. Our tradition started with the little kids opening presents. At some point that tradition switched a bit. I got drafted in to the Christmas drawing when I wasn’t considered little anymore. I feel like not long after I, the oldest grandchild, was drafted, the other kids were absorbed into the Christmas drawing too. We’d open presents in either ascending or descending order by age, with my grandpa always starting us off. There was also the figuring-out of who was older than who among my parents, aunts, and uncles.
For many years, we exchanged the poop-in-the shoe. There’s some disagreement about the start of the poop in the shoe, but I remember a year that an uncle was teasing me and I got upset. My grandpa knowingly told me, “Don’t worry, Christy. Your uncle’s going to get the poop-in-the-shoe for Christmas.” Months later, there it was!! The most gloriously wrapped present, with shiny ribbons and bows, and a “To: Matt, From: _______” on the gift tag. My uncle opened that box and found a ratty, old blue and white football cleat with a pile of fake dog poo in it. Over the years that cleat got re-gifted to whoever had been naughty for the year. Most folks took it in good stride and the tradition continued for many years.
Nowadays
Nowadays the winter holiday season hits me differently depending on the year. This year, I’m not exactly “Bah humbug!” The title of this post is more fitting: meh-ry Yule.
When I’m really feeling it, I replicate some of my family traditions. I’ll put the Yule decorations up on Thanksgiving, and I’ll start listening to Yule songs. (But not one minute before Thanksgiving, except for the songs in stores that I can’t help but hear!!)
This year, it’s 12/12 and I’ve got a single strand up lights up outside on my porch. If you look down, you’ll see a wooden Jack-o-lantern plaque and a skeleton dog I left out from Halloween.
I have not hung my flat Yule tree, nor have I sent any cards out. I have been listening to Yule tunes and have been wearing Yule tree earrings and some other winter holiday accessories to help me get in the mood, but I’m not really feeling it yet.
I’ve received some Yule cards for folks. I smiled when I received them, and I feel grateful when I look at them. I’m not sure if I’ll get any out this year or not, but I am grateful for the ones I’ve received and for the people who sent them.
Looking forward
As I sit here writing, I realize I do want to put up my Yule decorations this year. Many of the ornaments I put on my flat Yule tree are the same that hung on my grandpa’s tree so many years ago. Or some were gifts from those who are no longer with us.
I might even get some cards out. I like writing, and I usually feel a sense of connectedness. So pushing past the meh may also help to pull me out of it a bit!
Closing Out
The winter holidays can be a hard time for folks. I guess I’m there a bit, though not as low as I have been in the past. To those who have or will reach out with greeting cards, texts, social media messages and posts: I’m super grateful to you. I’m not sure I have that energy to give this year, but I appreciate being on the receiving end.
And to those who are struggling in general, my heart goes out to you. Please do what feels good and right to you, while also making sure you get the support and community you need. We all deserve that.