Here’s the thing: Not everything that makes the holidays memorable and special has to cost a lot of money. In fact, when I think about some of my most memorable holiday seasons, my most precious memories are of things that cost very little or no money.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve received some very exciting, expensive, dream-come-true presents, such as my first microwave. Yes, I’m old enough to remember when microwaves were a really big deal. I not only loved it, but it ended my dreams of living in a little house on the prairie. It was a very expensive hot dog cooker until I got over the learning curve. Of course, any school-age child now knows how to push the buttons. Enough said about that.
So, what are those things that make Christmas so special? For me, it’s the traditions made by raising a family and doing such things as going for a ride to see all the twinkling Christmas lights scattered around our community, such as the bright star on the Fortville water tower that still shines so brightly. The lights in Schildmeier Woods are always so pretty, but I miss the man there who every year added more and more to everyone’s delight. I do have a neighbor who comes close, however.
It’s going downtown to see everything lit up. Your downtown may be different than someone else’s depending on where you live. Or just maybe you’ll see what’s happening in all of our downtown communities. There are special visits with Santa, parades, local shopping and music events. There are gatherings with family members near or far, or friends that you love to spend special times with.
It’s making holiday dishes from special recipes for family gatherings. Recipes lovingly given to me by grandmothers that help us still feel close to them. Mine, however, still don’t taste quite as good in spite of following all the directions.
It’s going for “Christmas walks,” especially in the evening when the shops are all lit up. It can still be a wondrous event when there’s fresh snow and the kids can go outside and play. A good cup of hot chocolate in a special snowman cup that warms you up still makes everyone’s day.
It’s watching favorite holiday movies and debating which is the best. Or maybe it’s baking cookies that you’re supposed to be packaging for gifts, but more are getting eaten than packaged. But isn’t that the point?
It’s cards received with a handwritten note or a letter saved from a loved one, sister, or friend. Yes, there are some who still send these the old-fashioned way. It’s a season when going to the mailbox is so much more fun.
It’s Christmas music that can take us to places in time with people no longer with us but who so warm our hearts.
Maybe it’s a tiny traced hand print from a 4-year-old or a cardboard reindeer that now lives within the pages of a favorite cookbook.
What makes holidays even more special is when you see some of those traditions valued and loved by your grown children sprinkled in with their new traditions for your grandchildren.
So, it’s true: Those “things” that make the holidays really special year after year are not always bought. You don’t have to try to do too much. They can be simplified by choosing only those that are special for you and yours.
