It's the most wonderful time of the year. There's family, food, and the REAL meaning behind the holidays. As we begin our own family traditions, we look back at the traditions we had growing up. Here are four different perspectives of the holidays: 1. What was your favorite holiday tradition growing up? Prince- Growing up we had a tiny tree about a foot tall, but we had very nice ornaments on it. Mom spent more on the ornaments than the tree, but the tree was special to me because those ornaments were saved and we still have them to this day. It reminds me that it doesn’t matter how big the tree is or the cost of the gifts, the holiday is really about the small details of family and friends getting together. Steph- We didn't have many traditions. We kind of just winged it. I always enjoyed the bigger holidays, when we'd go to my uncles house for Thanksgiving and Christmas and eat with my entire extended family. I can honestly say I enjoyed the company over the gifts every single year. However, my dad used to allow us to open one gift on Christmas Eve and that was always exciting. Oh, and a live tree is a must! Stela- My favorite tradition would have to be split into two eras. The Central America era which was til I was 10 and then the North America era from then on out. Latinos are big on celebrating Christmas Eve, even more than Christmas Day. In El Salvador I loved getting my new outfit for Christmas Eve (yes this is a thing) and doing fireworks that night. Firework season there is Christmas to New Years. We usually went to church Christmas Eve and I always liked watching or being part of the Christmas play. Then once we got here, I looooved going to my aunt's house Christmas Eve, we would always have a big family dinner, and then open all our gifts exactly at midnight. Those were some of my favorite times. 2. What are you grateful your parents did around the holidays? Prince- I am grateful my parents celebrated Christmas despite our religious background. They didn’t want us to feel left out. Steph- Honestly, just making a way. I am the youngest of four and despite our economic status growing up, my parents always provided us with a good amount of gifts. (Except the time my brother broke some kids glasses and my parents had to take some of our gifts back to the store to pay for the glasses. Grr...Adam always tried to ruin my life. Lol) I am grateful my parents sacrificed to make sure we enjoyed the holidays more than anything. Stela- My parents sacrificed all year round. They still do for us and we are all grown up. We come from such a humble background yet my parents were always doing whatever they had to to make sure we had everything we needed as well as some wants. I don’t really think they needed to do anything differently during the holidays. 3. What do you want this season to be about? Prince- I want to focus on the small things... being off from work, eating good food, watching good NBA games, being around family and friends. Steph- Two years ago I decided to adopt a family for Christmas. With the help of Pat, Stela, Prince and several other friends we were able to give the family a brand new XBox, games, coats, shoes and some other toys and essentials. I have never been more proud. The holidays are about giving back. This year, we are "adopting" another family. This time, a single mother of seven kids. It really brings the meaning of the holidays back to the forefront. It's not about gifts, it's about the gift of Jesus Christ. Walking in his mission, we are touching a family in need. Eventually, I want to make this tradition even bigger. Maybe several families. Then, I will pass that down to my kids. Don't buy me or your dad gifts, let's buy for those in need. Stela- Giving. That’s what it’s about right? I do love the idea of adopting a family. I would also love the idea of serving others on that day. With my time. Maybe at a shelter or a place where they serve food to homeless people. 4. What do you not want it to be about? Prince- Money. People get wrapped up in not having enough money for gifts and food, it shouldn’t dictate how or if you celebrate. Steph- I HATE when I wait until the last minute, maybe Christmas Eve and run to the store to pick up a gift JUST TO SAY I GOT SOMETHING. It's the worst feeling ever. I don't want the holidays to be about getting someone something just because I am supposed to. Stela- Materialism. I don’t want my kids growing up and expecting a mountain of gifts. Patrick and I usually only buy them a couple of gifts. My kids have been blessed that they receive so many gifts from family members, and I’m thankful for that. But I don’t want them growing up expecting that. 5. What do you want to eat? Prince- *expletive* all of Ranna J’s food plus some. I grew up eating the Indian version of Soul food, which was trash. Steph- Just give me some turkey, honey-baked ham, stuffing, sweet potatoes drowned in marshmellows, Ranna's mac n cheese, pumpkin roll and pecan pie. Stela- #GimmeAllTheHispanicFood. I want Tamales, Pan con Pavo, Llomo Relleno, camote on en miel. I do remember my aunt would always make cheesecake and that was like a thing for me. From the American food I do enjoy a baked sweet potato casserole my mother in law makes. I also like “Dressing”, I think some people also call it “Stuffing”? 6. How will you manage splitting time between your spouse's family and your own? Prince- I’m fine with spending it with Stephanie’s family, since my family doesn’t really celebrate on the level that her family does. When we move back to Indianapolis and have a home of our own, I look forward to hosting all holidays so we can invite everyone and no one has to split time.
Steph- I am sort of blessed in that aspect. My husband's family is Sikh and they are Indian, therefore they don't celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas the same way Christian, Americans do. Last year, we introduced Prince's parents to a full Thanksgiving meal and they loved it. So, there is really no pressure there. They are invited to my mom's for Thanksgiving and we can all enjoy together. For Christmas, we will unwrap gifts with his niece and nephews and then head to my moms or grandparents for some Johnson family time. Stela- Thanksgiving is an adopted holiday for us since it’s not something we celebrate outside of the US. So our food is a little different for that holiday. Pan con Pavo does have turkey but that’s about the only thanksgiving type of food you’ll see. Let’s just say my husband wasn’t pleased. He wants his classic American meal. Sweet potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, greens, and so on. So we’ve celebrated thanksgiving with his side off the family the last few years. Christmas season, we do Christmas Eve with my family since that’s our big holiday day, and then Christmas Day with his family. *We are asking any readers, if you would like to help, to give a couple of dollars or donate a gift or two for a family of 8 that we are providing Christmas for this year! Get with Stephanie, Prince, Stela or Pat if you're interested!
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AuthorsJust four married friends here to discuss relationships, life-changing events, parent-hood, religion, race & trending topics. Archives
January 2018
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