Carole Knits

october zinnia
october zinnia
martinis with a view
martinis with a view
gettysburg fence for
gettysburg fence for
germinate shawl on rocks
germinate shawl on rocks
field of flags 2
field of flags 2
color affection with edge
color affection with edge
cedar leaf shawlette 2
cedar leaf shawlette 2
3_27_2014
3_27_2014
3_18_13
3_18_13
2_24_2014
2_24_2014
1_11_13
1_11_13
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
peony-bouquet-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
dale-and-jackie-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
nightshift-progress-for-carole-knits
  • Home
  • Carole Julius Photography

Think Write Thursday: A Favorite Holiday Tradition

December 8, 2016 By Carole

The Think Write Thursday prompt for this week is to write about a favorite holiday tradition. Why I love it, how it started, why it’s important to me.

You know, I came up with the prompt for this week. And it seemed like a great idea at the time. Kat said so, too. But now that I’m sitting down to write this post I’m wondering what the hell I was thinking. ONE single favorite holiday tradition? Only one?? I thought about making decorating the house as my favorite holiday tradition. Or perhaps watching Christmas movies. Or maybe even decorating the tree. And then I realized it really does all come down to one favorite tradition.

watercolor-wreath-for-carole-knits

Our Christmas Eve Open House.

I love that our house is full of friends and family. I love that they are eating delicious food and laughing and telling stories and making merry. I love that we sing together. And I love that this is something I have done for my whole life, first as a child, then as a young wife and mother, and now as a, hmmmmm, well-seasoned woman who loves to entertain.

As a small child we went to my grandparents on Christmas Eve and my Swedish grandmother served a traditional smorgasbord. We had Swedish meatballs and baked ham, korv and pickled herring, medwurst sandwiches, pickled beets, baked beans, rice pudding and glögg. Later, my mother took this over, but the menu remained pretty similar. Our house was packed with family and friends, we had a piano and I always played carols and everyone gathered around and sang. I remember loving it because everyone sang so loud that it didn’t matter if I made mistakes. Those memories are some of my favorites from my childhood.

And what we do now is very similar. The menu has changed slightly – I don’t make korv and rice pudding – and I’ve added things like finger sandwiches and baked macaroni and cheese – but I still serve many of those Swedish specialties. Meatballs and baked beans and glögg, medwurst sandwiches and pickled herring and baked ham. I’m sure many of our guests just think of it as party food but for Dale and I it’s a special way of honoring our Swedish heritage. I love serving those foods to my father-in-law, big Swedish elf that he is, and seeing him enjoy them, too.

It’s not all about the food, though. It’s about being together and celebrating – celebrating the birth of Jesus, celebrating the return of the light, celebrating another year on this earth. It’s about blending our voices (often not very harmoniously) in song, it’s about setting time apart to be human and feel loved, it’s about remembering all the other Christmas gatherings, thinking that our children and grandchildren will carry on these traditions, and recognizing that caring for people in our home, with hospitality and grace is one of the greatest blessings we have. It is, quite simply, one of the best things Dale and I do as a couple.

Speaking of Dale, I can picture him reading this and thinking to himself, whaaaaa? For a tradition she loves so much, Carole sure does complain about this party. And it’s true, I have been known to complain about the work associated with hosting Christmas Eve. But, work or not, I love it. And I’m trying, really trying, to focus on the joy of Christmas and the graciousness of opening my home to the people I love.

Our Christmas Eve Open House is my favorite Christmas tradition. What’s yours?

If you wrote a post for this week’s Think Write Thursday please click the button below to add your link before next Wednesday. If you want to subscribe to the Think Write Thursday weekly email (it’s the only way to get the weekly prompt) please click here.

An InLinkz Link-up


Related posts:

Default ThumbnailThink Write Thursday Default ThumbnailThink Write Thursday: Holiday Spirit Default ThumbnailThink Write Thursday: My Favorite Teacher Default ThumbnailThink Write Thursday: A Favorite Recipe
« Hudson Bay Baby Blanket
Eye Candy Friday »

Filed Under: Think Write Thursday

Comments

  1. Mary says

    December 8, 2016 at 6:50 am

    Oh Carole, that’s a wonderful tradition! It seems like a true extension of you – a warm and inviting gathering of friends and family, with delicious food and a nod to your heritage. Perfect!

  2. Robby says

    December 8, 2016 at 7:08 am

    My beloved gets overwhelmed by the flash & business that our culture tends to dress the holiday in. For us, the moment the lights slowly dim at the end of the Christmas Eve service and we sing Silent Night is one of the holiest moments of the year. There is a small glimpse of the awe & peace our relationship with Christ is meant to bring. It’s a fleeting moment, as I think it is supposed to be here on Earth, but a sweet one to inspire us to draw closer to Him and each other.

  3. AsKatKnits says

    December 8, 2016 at 7:25 am

    This is so beautiful, except – Carole complain? I do not believe it!

    However, I am with you – sometimes the amount of work increases the reward. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and rich tradition!

  4. Kym says

    December 8, 2016 at 7:46 am

    It’s really hard work to be a good hostess! I’ll bet your friends and family also consider your Christmas Eve celebration one of THEIR favorite holiday traditions. Your hard work – at already very busy time of year – pays off in wonderful memories, excellent company, and the true spirit of the holiday. Party on!

  5. Bonny says

    December 8, 2016 at 7:52 am

    Your open house really sounds like the opening of your house and heart (not that it isn’t always open), and the delicious food a wonderful gift to all your friends and family. It sounds like a tradition that involves a Herculean effort but one you are glad you did all that work for when everyone is celebrating. Underbar!

  6. Kwizgiver says

    December 8, 2016 at 10:00 am

    First–I love your wreath painting!

    Second, your tradition is amazing!

    Third, I wrote about two traditions. 😉

  7. Jo says

    December 8, 2016 at 10:33 am

    Carole, I think you are all about JOY! We all need to,carp a little sweating away in the kitchen but we always know it’s,worth It!

  8. margene says

    December 8, 2016 at 10:42 am

    You are the very best host and everyone must be so thrilled to be part of your welcome celebration. You, dear friend, embody the Christmas spirit.

  9. Vicki says

    December 8, 2016 at 11:35 am

    It’s so cool that this is an event that’s happened your whole life!! I know the stress & work involved with a big party/gathering and I am not surprised at all that you complain! I also know that once it’s “show time” that all falls away and you relax into it… My mother would always remind me that “it’s” going to happen whether you’re ready or not (and if anything isn’t quite right or left undone, no one is going to even notice!).

  10. Patty says

    December 9, 2016 at 8:35 am

    This is a beautiful post! We’re entering our second year of hosting the family Christmas Eve, taking it over from my mother-in-law. It’s work but it’s such a fun evening. I’ll be thinking of you as I roll those Swedish meatballs myself!

  11. Lydia S says

    December 9, 2016 at 6:30 pm

    I’ve been to a couple holiday open houses, and they really seem to make the holiday special. The special attention to details and of course the food-always the food! So nice that you have this tradition. I’ll live vicariously through yours!

Archives

carole AT caroleknits DOT net
my read shelf:
Carole's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

2021 Reading Challenge

2021 Reading Challenge
Carole has read 15 books toward her goal of 75 books.
hide
15 of 75 (20%)
view books

carolejuliusphoto

The @aliedwards prompt for today is a full body sh The @aliedwards prompt for today is a full body shot and I have the perfect photo for it. Here I am at the polls today with my friend and State Representative Alyson Sullivan. It was a great day out there in the sunshine. And I won my re-election to the Board of Selectmen! #aepiecesofus #eastbridgewaterma #iwonagain
My take on @aliedwards today’s half face prompt My take on @aliedwards today’s half face prompt ... half of mine and all of Jackie’s. It works for me because his is cuter! #aepiecesofus #halfface #nanalife #attaboyjack
Today’s @aliedwards prompt is eyes closed. It’ Today’s @aliedwards prompt is eyes closed. It’s how I meditate. It’s how I focus. It’s how I roll when I need to take a deep breath and get through a moment. #aepiecesofus #eyesclosed #thisisme
Today’s @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt is Face Today’s @aliedwards Pieces of Us prompt is Face Forward. If there’s anything I’ve learned in my 55 years, it’s that facing forward is the best way to live. All the things in life, good or bad, can be resolved this way, our problems only multiple if we try to skirt around them. True satisfaction comes from looking life right in the eye, doing your best, and finding the joy. #aepiecesofus #thisismyface #faceforward
These hands. They are 55 years old and they show t These hands. They are 55 years old and they show the wear and tear of those years. The washing and moisturizing, the attempts to hold the approach of aging at bay. They’ve held and comforted so many loved ones, they’ve changed diapers and checked out books at the library, they’ve typed countless words, they’ve cooked and cleaned and done everything I’ve expected and I appreciate every bump and age spot and ... they are mine. #aepiecesofus #piecesofme #myhandstellmystory
I knew I had to take a photo of my feet while ridi I knew I had to take a photo of my feet while riding the bike for today’s prompt for @aliedwards Pieces of Us, as there would be no Peloton journey for me if it weren’t for my feet, strapped into those shoes, clipped into those pedals, and going round and round to make me stronger. #pelotonjourney #thisisme #clippedin #aepiecesofus
Daffodils from my garden and Easter decorations fr Daffodils from my garden and Easter decorations from my childhood = an explosion of spring! #daffodilbouquet #frommygarden #igrewthemmyself #easterdecor #easterceramics #happyspring
Friday night plans: crescent pizza rolls and Jesus Friday night plans: crescent pizza rolls and Jesus Christ Superstar. Happy Easter weekend! #fridaynightsnacks #crescentpizzarolls #martinitime #easterweekend2021 #eastertraditions
Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #cocktailhouratho Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #cocktailhourathome #martinitime #cheeseandcrackers #mezcalsalami #bacongoudaspread #mudpie #charcuterieboard
So grateful for these heaters on early spring even So grateful for these heaters on early spring evenings like this one. #decklife #outdoorliving #deckheaters #hellospring #earlyspring #rushingtheseason
Spring! #crocus #springcrocus #springflowersmakeme Spring! #crocus #springcrocus #springflowersmakemehappy #springishere #welcomespring #purplecrocus
Happy Pi Day! Today I made a wee cherry pie for me Happy Pi Day! Today I made a wee cherry pie for me and my guy. This 6” Longaberger pie plate is perfect for two. #happypiday #cherrypie #imadeitmyself #homemadepiecrust #longabergerpottery #piday2021
Guess who just joined the Peloton Century Club! 💯 rides 🚴 since October 20. I’ve laughed, I’ve cried, I’ve sweated, I’ve cursed, and even when I hated it, I still loved it. Thank you to @iamicaniwillido for all the inspiration and especially for that Broadway ride. And thank you to @awayfromtheedge for always having my back. #pelotoncenturyclub #peloton #iamicaniwillido #thisisme #changingmystory @onepeloton
My yellow crocuses are about a week later than usu My yellow crocuses are about a week later than usual this year BUT there are  6 flowers instead of the usual 3 so I’m calling it a win! #springhassprung #crocuses #yellowcrocus #inmygardentoday #springflowers #cmonspring
I sure was happy to come home from work and find t I sure was happy to come home from work and find the deck furniture set up and ready to go. He might be pushing the season but I’m not going to complain! #springisintheair #onmydeck #pushingtheseason #60degreesinmarch
Today I took a drive to pick up these hothouse ane Today I took a drive to pick up these hothouse anemones and tulips from my favorite local flower farm @crossstreetflowerfarm and they have me jonesing for spring! #crossstreetflowerfarm #hothouseflowers #anemones #springbouquet #springflowers #treatyoself
Aerogarden is doing it’s thing, I’m hoping for Aerogarden is doing it’s thing, I’m hoping for an herb harvest soon! #the100dayproject #100daysofiphonephotos #aerogarden #growingherbsindoors #dill #parsley
I didn’t order groceries today so our snacks are I didn’t order groceries today so our snacks are from the larder, summer sausage, Swiss cheese, some crackers and hardboiled eggs. Even without the fancy snacks I’m still celebrating that the weekend is here! Happy FriYay! #fridaynightsnacks #happyfriyay #martinitime #cocktailhourathome #cheeseandcrackers
Ms. Pajama Party amaryllis is definitely having he Ms. Pajama Party amaryllis is definitely having her moment. #amaryllis #pajamapartyamaryllis #100daysofiphonephotos #the100dayproject
Has it really been a week since I posted here? Who Has it really been a week since I posted here? Whoops! Let’s catch up! I’ll start by sharing this photo of my Pajama Party amaryllis, she’s in bloom right now and she’s a stunner. #100daysofiphonephotos #the100dayproject #pajamapartyamaryllis #amaryllis #winterblooms #whiteflowerfarm
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Categories

ABC Along Adventures of Dale and Carole Birthdays Bloggers Books Charity Knitting Contests Eye Candy Friday Feeling Crafty Fiber Festivals Food Good, Bad, Ugly Hmmm Knitting Knitting Olympics Macro Monday Memes Monday On My Mind Movies One Little Word Photography Project Spectrum Quilting Random Read With Us Reenacting Run For Your Life Saturday Posts Selfies Show & Tell Sock Knitting Spinning Sunday Funnies Swaps Ten on Tuesday Thankfulness That's Life Think Write Thursday Three Things Throwback Thursday Thursday Things Uncategorized Vacations Wordless Words in the Wild

Copyright 2014 Carole Knits · Log in