"The merry family gatherings - the old, the very young; the strangely lovely way they harmonize in carols sung. For Christmas is tradition time - traditions that recall the precious memories down the years, the sameness of them all."
- Helen Lowrie Marshall

Christmas is upon us....trees are glistening, front doors are adorned in beautiful wreaths, floors show the remnants of wrapping paper and families and friends are rushing, laughing, smiling and preparing! Christmas is here!

We all have our ways of celebrating Christmas, our "traditions". A few weeks ago, my oldest was home and I was amazed at her recollection of our holidays past. She recalled how we began our season, Thanksgiving weekend and followed it through to the end. I was jolted into a glimpse of past, but also realized how some of our "traditions" have changed. What once had been a solid performance, new Christmas pajamas the day after Thanksgiving, sugar cookie making the first Saturday in December, St. Nick's Day abundant with goodies, the "mouse" moving each day to that one BIG day....oh so many "traditions", have been changed, tweaked, or simply set aside.

I have been thinking about traditions, and the celebration of the Holidays. Where did our traditions go? Growing up, the first Saturday always found my mom and me at my Grandmother's house making the infamous "Springerle" cookie. The process was endless, the result a hard, powdery, anise flavored delicacy that many would say, "yuck"! Yet every year, the same routine, the same schedule. This time of year the slightest sniff of anise and I am engulfed in those memories, the tradition.

I look around my home and see various old decorations still surviving, new additions sprinkled amongst, past Christmas photos of smiles, cards of greetings finding my mailbox and a warmth finds my soul. Our Christmas Traditions are not the actual "act", but the result, the bond, the meaning. I would have to have the Springerele recipe in front of me to make them, but I remember Grandma's laugh like yesterday, my mother covered in flour and Perry Como belting out some Christmas cheer.

Today I find my own kitchen counter filled with tins of cookies and fudge galore. Families and friends are busy making plans to celebrate. My days are spent searching for the special gift or perfect way to say "Merry Christmas". True, some of my "traditions" have changed, at least it would appear, but looking deeper, seeing my girls snicker as they shove that cookie quickly into their mouth, slowly pass by the tree to see the name on that gift, hang onto that old ornament one more year, or share one of their memories, I know my holiday traditions are still living strong. Christmas Traditions....remembering old memories, making new memories, and being with family.

I have been making so many new pieces for the season, but wanted to share my newest idea...note cards. I have transferred the paintings I do on silk to card stock...a great little way to send a unique message to all or perhaps a good place to write down those old memories, to preserve them, to share forgotten ways of yesterday...

Enjoy this beautiful Christmas Season!