Christmas Traditions that Are Best Left Alone

At this time of year, many people stop and reflect on life. They think about their family Christmas traditions and the important role they play in their lives. I do that too, but I reflect from a different perspective. I look at the Christmas traditions that have been, and for good reason, will never be again.

Having a Christmas Baby:

Okay, I knew this kid in high school whose birthday was Christmas. Everyone said how cool it was that her birthday was on that day. I believed it to be cool as well until I went into labor on Christmas Eve a few years later. This is the deal with Christmas labor: First, the hospital makes a point of telling you that they have only a skeleton crew on duty. Why a hospital insists on using the term skeleton crew is beyond me. It just conjures up images of death and fear and nothing good. Second, and as I found out the hard way, the skeleton crew does not include an anesthesiologist which means... NO DRUGS.

Luckily for my husband, I do not moan - well in labor anyway. I am a silent pain person. But, the nursing staff took my silence to mean that I was comfortable enough to enjoy a visit from Santa Claus. The only thing I wanted to do to that Santa Claus, who came Ho, Ho, Ho-ing into the labor room on that blessed Christmas, was to take his reindeer antlers and stick them up his chimney.

The nice thing about that Christmas labor and delivery was that they stuck a pink Santa hat on my daughter's head when she did finally come out on the 26^th. See, I went through all that and she didn't make an appearance until the day after. In hindsight, the 26^th does fit her well. She is a gifted shopper, and as such she appreciates the after Christmas sales the stores launch just for her birthday!

To avoid the Christmas baby tradition, I abstain from all frivolity from March 1^st through March 31^st. Yes, at one point in time, Saint Patty's Day was a great time, but now I know that a fun St. Patty's Day leads only to trouble.

Cutting Down our Own Christmas Tree

A few years ago, friends insisted we go with them to this Christmas tree farm to get a tree. I thought it sounded picturesque and a nice way to have some holiday fun. What our friends failed to communicate to me was that we would not be just picking out our tree. No, we would be cutting down our tree. Now, I know a lot of people get into this activity, but I am not one of them.

At this Christmas tree farm, we were expected to traipse through mud and fields to find a tree that would be perfect for our house. It took our friends three hours to find their perfect tree. I was ready to take home the first one I saw. It seems my lack of enthusiasm might have perturbed the female half of the couple who we used to refer to as friends.

"You do not seem to appreciate the meaning behind this tradition."

To which I said,

"We don't live in freaking Little House on the Prairie days. On every street corner some guy has trees for sale and every one of those trees looks like the ones still planted in the stupid tree forest. I don't see the point of using a chainsaw and risk losing a finger when someone has already done that job for me!"

Of course, we were sports and cut down a tree. Then the tree farm elf tied it to our roof rack. I guess the elf was not an expert at knots because we lost that tree on the Pennsylvania Turnpike right around the Reading exit. Our friends never invited us again and that is fine by me.

Now, we have our own tradition. We wake up and put on our winter coats and hats and head to Home Depot where my husband holds up three trees that are already tied up. Within a few minutes, (60 seconds is our best family record), we have picked out a tree and have shoved it into the back of my Escape. Yes, it's difficult driving with pine branches in front of my eyes, but at least the tree is still with me when I get home.

The Nativity Scene and Barbie

Well, this was an accidental tradition that started when my daughter was in first grade. Right after Thanksgiving, I set up the manger and all the characters. One morning, I looked at the stable and the Virgin Mary had disappeared. I searched the house and couldn't find her. At first, I thought my German Shepherd, Miss Muffie, got her. Finally, I asked my daughter if she knew where Mary went.

"She is with my Barbies in the Barbie room (yes, we had a Barbie room). We were having tea. We thought she could use a break from the barn."

Now, I thought that was cute and so did my husband. Unfortunately, she told the nun at school the next day, and I got a call and a lecture about not stressing the significance of the nativity to our daughter. I told the nun to mind her business and get a sense of humor.

I did not back down from this tradition because of the nun. No, in fact I kept the Mary and Barbie tea tradition going until my daughter no longer played with Barbies. When that day came, the tradition lost its purpose. I could have continued it out of spite, but that would have made that nun a better person than me, and I wasn't going to let that happen.

Christmas Caroling with the Neighbors

This started as a fun activity. We would get together and sing and bring holiday cheer to the neighborhood. When the singing was over, we would go to one family's house and relax with some wine or brandy. Unbeknownst to me, because I am always out of the neighborhood gossip loop, two of the couples sort of switched spouses, and I have to say, that situation can really put a whole new meaning to the "He knows if you've been bad or good so be good for goodness sake" lyrics.

Anyway, by Valentine's Day, the situation got ugly, and then, of course, the caroling club all got deposed for the divorce proceedings, and by next Christmas no one in the neighborhood dared to suggest caroling again. I guess that turned out to be a good thing.