Originally posted by GoofySuse
GoofyMuse...did you celebrate "Little Christmas"...aka The Epithany? ...funny how traditions begin....
GoofySuse... Actually, we didn't. My mom's family celebrated the Epiphany as THE gifting day when she was growing up, but she didn't carry it on with us. For us it was always Christmas Eve. With our own kids when they were little, since we live quite a drive from the extended family, we typically spent the actual holidays as nomads, living out of suitcases, travelling from one family gathering to another. We'd return home (often exhausted!) to find a "note from Santa" with a count-down calendar highlighting which day he'd "return" for our kids! They never thought twice about that being at all odd and we always loved our special celebration albeit "late".
Now that they're older we've modified things a bit and sometimes spend the actual holiday at home (usually travelling afterward). I'm beginning to prefer this, although the kids thought our earlier "nomadic traditions" were just fine and still talk fondly of those memories.
Our favorite "original tradition" came about quite by accident. We typical decorate our tree the first Saturday in December and it is always an elaborate project as we have many ornaments, each with their own story to tell. I'm typically not in the mood to cook after the project and one year decided we would just put out a spread of finger foods and hors d'oeuvres. The caveat was that all the edibles were either red, green or white. So we spread a blanket, lit some candles, and had a great night!
The following year, the kids asked me when we were doing "the red and green picnic"! Turns out they just loved this impromtu celebration! Over time, they've added a "secret person" gift exchange to the festivities (we draw names at Thanksgiving and then make or choose an inexpensive gift or treat for the exchange). The kids also completely plan the menu these days and have gotten quite creative! If we can hold out until then (and if I don't chicken out from actually doing this trip!), it will be at the "red and green picnic" that our kids will open that one last "gift" that will be inviting them to Disney 5 days later!
Bet you were thinking this off-topic ramble would never circle back to a Disney topic!

I'm thinking I'd better head on off to work to help finance our "big dreams"!

Think I'll just grab a double "cap" on the way out... big chill in the air today!
