Christmas is a big issue for my family, habits originating mostly from my Italian side, and there are many of them…
We used to start early in December by decorating the old family tree, that has ornaments that my grand-mother used to hang on her Christmas tree. Happy holidays songs were a must to hear while we danced through the house with my sister and mother, at the same time as cookies were in the oven sharing their amazing ginger aroma all over the place.
I have to admit that there were some tiny small arguments on who is going to put the star on the top… The manger was in place, made of miniatures, presenting all kinds of scenes, little Jesus with the animals and the 3 Kings, the lake nearby with the ducks, the shepherds and their sheep, the church and so many other details… but on Christmas Eve everything was ready for an Italian family dinner, with tortellini and ravioli, while on Christmas day a more Greek one was in order.
Up until now, my family holds a grudge on me, as I still use to wake them up quite early, 7:00, in the morning for our presents exchange! I am not to blame if presents come in the middle of the night and not after noon!.. am I? 😛
Well, a well-presented breakfast with Panettone will make things better…
However, I have to admit that I am always so soaked in my family and our precious habits that I have no photos to show… but I promised myself that this year I will make amends, making sure that I will click on some precious moments, fussing, arguing, laughing, shouting, hugging as a normal Mediterranean family acts like! Feeling blessed every single second of the day for all the arguments this house has heard and the hugs after them.
As years passed by, some of the old habits do not seem to be here anymore, but others still continue and they are strong as ever! So before I close my computer to join my family for a special day, I send you my wishes… Make sure to share happy moments not only with your loved ones but also with the less lucky ones on this planet that we are put on. Spend time with children and senior citizens, give the precious present of time…
Merry Christmas to you all… may all these days be full of delicious aromas, tight hugs, true smiles, belly-hurting laughs, meaningful looks, and heart-warming words to make your heart melt…
