FAMOUS PANCAKES & THE TASTE OF CHRISTMAS

Christmas was always a special and exciting time growing up as a kid. Dad would grab his chainsaw and we set out to find the perfect tree on our property. Most years, we found some really nice trees, other years ,dad would say, “Jenny, just put that part in the corner, no one will see it.” My brother and I would help decorate the tree with mom, probably getting in the way more than we helped. Every Christmas break from school meant we had extra time to feed cows, fill feeders but it also meant we had more time to deer hunt. Christmas Eve was the big night for us to open presents and get ready for Santa. The meal was always a big part of celebrating. We would change between smoked turkey, steak and potatoes or chili and tamales also accompanied by too many desserts to list. Most years on Christmas or the day after, we would drive to Houston to see my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins to again celebrate with presents, food and football.

Now that I have my own family, we try to keep traditions while making them ours. Like most, our Christmas tree is the center piece of the house and draws the most excitement for the kids. Decorating cookies and building gingerbread houses have become something we really look forward to. Christmas Eve is spent at nana and papa’s house with my brother, sister in law, niece and nephew. With a living room half filled with presents and four grandchildren ages 7, 8, 9, & 10, controlled chaos comes to mind. Christmas morning comes early at our house because the kids can’t wait to see what Santa brought them. After presents, I fix my famous breakfast of pancakes or French toast, eggs, bacon and fruit. Most of the day is spent playing with new toys, playing games and spending time together. A few days later, we celebrate with my wife’s side of the family having our annual white elephant gift exchange. The exchange has become really fun, except for the person who ends up with the shadow box which is an ugly gag gift type decoration that keeps returning year after year. For u,s Christmas is a time of family, food and fun. From my family to yours, hope you have a Merry Christmas.

My dad was a self-employed diamond-setter in Dallas, which meant that the December holidays were a very busy “rush” season for him, right through Christmas Eve. In the midst of all that, he also saw this time of year as an important time to connect with and say thank you to his loyal customers. And he was eager for me to understand the importance of connection and gratitude, so throughout my teenage years he enlisted me to bake cakes for all of his customers. I’m not a particularly talented baker and it’s possible I complained about this a time or two— but the lesson took. And now, many years later, I always think of this time of year as starting with a spirit of gratitude that leads to staying connected. In my family today, we don’t bake cakes, but we do send lots and lots of Christmas cards to family and friends far and wide, letting them know that we are grateful for our connection to them and happy to share our news of the past year. •

Featured Events

Featured Events

Dec. 5

Rising

Stars of Guadalupe Co.

The Seguin Area Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals will recognize Guadalupe County’s most promising young professionals at its Rising Stars of Guadalupe County event from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5 at the Columbus Club Hall, located at 1015 S. Austin St., in Seguin. For tickets and more information, call 830-379-6382.

Dec. 10

Living Nativity

Experience the Nativity in a new way with the Faith Lutheran Church. FLC will have its Living Nativity from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10 at 1326 E. Cedar St. in Seguin. Youth groups from the community will be working together to host this drive-thru Living Nativity.

Dec. 9

Blood Drive

Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) will have Blood Drives from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14 and Thursday, Dec. 22 in the Selig Room of GRMC. All donors will take home a holiday Grinch T-shirt, including points to redeem for eGift cards. If at least 27 successful units of blood are collected, you will have a chance at winning a $25 Amazon gift card. To schedule an appointment or for more information, contact Veronica San Miguel at 830-491-8166.

Dec. 15

Toy Distribution