The Christmas Circle

By Connie Zdunich

Recently, my husband and I traveled north to spend time with our family. We’re at that stage of life when the grandchildren are mostly married and starting their own holiday traditions. It is fun to see them creating new traditions while incorporating some from their childhood.

Our conversation turned to past memories: building gingerbread houses covered with frosting (while eating a fairly large portion of the decorations); the mystery of Santa “knowing” when our family Christmas party was taking place and dropping by just as Pop was reading a Christmas story to the children; Santa bringing a fun little toy as a preview of the big night to come; going to see the glimmering Christmas lights downtown and then sipping rich, yummy hot cocoa afterwards.

My most precious memory is of the grandchildren lying on our staircase, staring up at the top railing where a little, brightly-lit, animated toy shop of elves were busy making miniature wooden toys that grandpa had collected throughout the year. The children would lay on their bellies with eyes glistening with the wonders of Christmas. Those were precious days which flew by far too quickly. Now it is fun to sit back and watch as the traditions circle round.

Thinking back (using the “way back” machine because it’s been a while) gave me time to reflect on some of my own childhood memories. My dad’s birthday fell on the fifteenth of December. That meant great adventures were in store when he arrived home from work. The fifteenth was the day we would put up our Christmas tree—his favorite variety being the very noble Noble Fir. We would bundle up and head off to the tree lot with great determination to find the perfect tree to grace our little home. My mother, who was a very wise woman, would labor over her stove, cooking up one of her delicious homemade soups, making sure that when we returned home, the house would be filled with the fragrant aroma of a delicious steaming pot of homemade soup for dinner that evening. It was such a treat to come home to our cozy house, fill our tummies, and then decorate our beautiful, perfect tree.

Years later, after I got married, stockings became a big thing at our house. Every little item placed in the stocking was wrapped individually along with other fun surprises and yummy treats. Sometimes, it would take a couple of hours just to open the stockings on Christmas morning. Our children loved it and have carried that tradition on to their children. It is still one of their favorite things about Christmas.

As in any story, I saved the best for last. Our all-time favorite Christmas tradition was and still is our Secret Santa adventure. Each year, we pick a family to “bless” our family, and keeping it secret from them is the best part. I could go on for hours about the joy this tradition has brought to our family throughout the years. Whenever we ask our children about their all-time favorite Christmas tradition, their response is always—hands down—our Secret Santa experiences. The incredible thing about paying it forward is that it always comes back tenfold! It teaches lessons to your children that words can never teach, brings joy to your family in a way that nothing else can, and is an act of kindness that blesses your lives for years to come! Happy holidays and happy traditions!

About the Author

Connie enjoys working with local Hospice Groups and Veterans Associations. The military is very close to her heart, with her father being a Pearl Harbor survivor and her sweetheart retired Navy. Helping support local hospice groups is very rewarding for Connie, and she feels being a part of the Spilsbury team is an awesome opportunity. She is the mother of seven daughters and nineteen grandchildren, who are “the joy of her heart.” She loves being of assistance to those in our community who do so much for each of us.

Happy holidays and happy traditions!

About the Author

Connie Zdunich

Connie enjoys working with local Hospice Groups and Veterans Associations. The military is very close to her heart, with her father being a Pearl Harbor survivor and her sweetheart retired Navy. Helping support local hospice groups is very rewarding for Connie, and she feels being a part of the Spilsbury team is an awesome opportunity. She is the mother of seven daughters and nineteen grandchildren, who are “the joy of her heart.” She loves being of assistance to those in our community who do so much for each of us.