Christmas Traditions

Tradition!  TRADITION.  While I bust out the fiddlers on the roof, settle in and let's talk about tradition.
Specifically, Christmas tradition.  With less than three weeks to go until Christmas, our little family has been busting out the holiday cheer-both with our yearly traditions, and some new fun things to boot!

What makes Christmas at casa de glaser?  Check it out!

1.  The Mouse Calendar.  I've had this calendar since I was a little kid, and this is the epitome of "It's finally that time of year!!" when the mouse came out.  We would move the mouse every day, and watch the dates inch closer and closer to the big C day.  25 years later....we still move the mouse.  Greg gets the even days, I get the odd days.  Compromise.

2.  The Big Santa - Likewise, Greg has a family tradition with "Big Santa".  A light up 4 foot tall Santa from the '50's, he's made an appearance every Christmas....first at Greg's grandparent's, now at our house.  Someday, our kids will pass him along!

3.  Pierogi Making Time! Every Christmas Eve, we do a traditional Polish meal with tilapia, coleslaw, carrots, mushroom soup, and more more more cookies!  And, of course, the best part.  Homemade pierogies.  Nom nom nom.  For the last few years, I have gone to my Cousin Karen's House (the Pierogi guru) to make them for the family.  We drink wine, chat, and make about 5 dozen pierogis out of homemade dough, fresh cheese, and spices.  It's a wonderful afternoon, fraught with laughter and jokes, and it sets the stage for the Christmas Eve party that I've loved since I was a kid.

4.  Midnight Mass- I'm not the most spiritual person, but there is something so beautiful and perfect about midnight mass.  We attend St. Stanilaus Kostka church in the city, which does mass in both Polish and English.  They have  over 40 evergreen trees, over one hundred poinsettia's, a life sized creche, and enough incense to choke a mule.  The carols are beautiful, and everyone is dressed in their Christmas best.  I also get to spend time with my uncle, who is the most amazing person that I know.  All in all, it is a wonderful way to start Christmas. 

5.  Christmas Stockings - Yes, every year Santa is good to me and brings me my "toys".  And even though I am 30, I still like ripping through wrapping paper like I am 6 years old.  But after dinner...that's when the magic happens.  The magic of the stocking.  Full of lip glosses, candy, fruit, earrings, gels, and other goodies, it is without a doubt my favorite part of the gift aspect of Christmas!

6.  Italian Sauce- Some families do turkey.  Some do ham.  Others, roast beast beef.  We do pasta and sauce.  Every year, my mom makes a yummy meat sauce full of beef and chicken, along with homemade meatballs, braciole, and Italian sausage.  I'm no carnivore, but it is delish!

These staples, along with getting the tree, The Grinch (yes, I know all the words to the cartoon and recite them every year.  No, I will not change), and cookie making....are our staples of Christmas.  This year, we've added in a few events-The Nutcracker....and tonight my uncle is taking us to see the Transiberian Orchestra (so excited!)

It's a time for family.  For being together.  And for holiday memories that come once a year.  And I love it.

What's on your holiday tradition list?  Any fun ones this year?