Joy Come To You

Joy Come To You - published Clay County Times-Democrat - December 16, 2015

               “Mom, can I open just one little-bitty, teeny-tiny present now?” Small fingers held almost together show about one teeny-tiny inch. “I just can’t wait ‘til Christmas!”

“Christmas Eve will be here before you know it, and you can open one of your presents. Don’t go snooping under the tree. You know what that’ll mean.” Under her breath she chuckled, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” The child did not understand her humor.

How marvelous to be the lucky child who counts gifts under the Christmas tree and opens one on Christmas Eve. Luckier still is the child who can con a sibling into snooping and peeking; it’s a risk because searching through the closets could result in a gift’s prompt return to the store.

Adults celebrating family food traditions prepare tins of candies, cookies, and favorite Christmas dishes following generational recipes. During this joyous December time frame, the kitchen counter is laden with specialty items enjoyed at no other season of the year. Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without Aunt Bethany’s green Jell-o salad.

The tradition of allowing children to open one gift on Christmas Eve, one gift before bedtime, began several generations prior to this one. Pajama sets, most likely patterned Christmas pajamas only Aunt Gladys could love lay nestled in tissue paper; no toy requiring assembly or batteries appeared on Christmas Eve. “Now, put on your PJs and hurry to bed. You know Santa won’t come if you are awake!” How many children never went to sleep, insisting they heard reindeer prancing and sleigh bells jingling! “I’m asleep, I’m asleep. Really, I’m asleep!”

Christmas is filled with family traditions, special events children remember and replicate when they have children and Christmas seasons of their own. One tradition I enjoyed involved the beauty of The Peabody Christmas Tree. We dressed up, spruced up, and traveled down to the The Peabody lobby where ducks paraded. The decorated tree occupied a substantial portion of the lobby, reaching beyond the mezzanine. A musician dressed in a tux serenaded on the Grand Piano, entertaining the holiday-happy crowd with Christmas tunes. We took photographs, sipped specialty coffees, and gulped soft drinks, usually adorned with a long-stemmed cherry, and let the glittery ambiance wash over us.

We’d also map out a route to follow, thrilling at all the houses and yards nominated as “best of the season.” We’d drive by the fancy displays, the addresses advertising orchestrated lights and synchronized music. The Starry Nights drive-through spectacular always topped the Christmas To-Do list.

One tradition held from my own childhood became my own family’s most important tradition: the candlelight Christmas Eve service at our church. Traditional hymns rang out Gloria! Scripture readings foretold of the holy infant’s birth. Families from near and far lined the pews as lights dimmed to Silent Night, the final hymn. We looked at the glow upon each face among all the families represented there.

Traditions change because families change; circumstances dictate new traditions. It’s important to embrace that change and create new traditions when the opportunity arises. Several churches in our small community offer a Christmas Eve service. There are plenty of festive and colorful light arrangements designed for car tours. The drive-through display at the old Air Force base in Blytheville, Lights of the Delta, is lovely. A home between here and there, in Steele, MO, Lights on the Z, showcases synchronized music and lights with donations going to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, always a worthy cause. Driving around to admire Courthouse Square lighting and upgraded downtown lights can contribute to a lovely evening for adults and children.

As for my grown-up family, I’ve taken to entertaining them with iconic Christmas movies, complete with games and awards, such as membership in the Jelly of the Month Club and our Christmas tree housing a Ty-baby squirrel. A grandchild once received a gift-wrapped bar of soap after guessing a correct answer attached to the question about Ralphie’s bad word. “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out,” was the classic response to any request made during that evening. Dinner and desserts always coordinate with the movie of the year. Laughter of adults and children mingle, creating memories and new traditions. What Mom would come up with for the next year left family members puzzled, but in good humor.

Family gatherings make great traditions, regardless of the season or the reason. When children are involved, plans need not be elaborate or costly. An antique Advent Calendar passed down from grandmother’s childhood, the proclamation of good tidings of great joy read aloud, a simple moment of planned reflection, a prayer together for Peace on Earth, a grateful acknowledgement of continued health, any heart-felt, shared event is special. The children will remember.

Make memories, honor heritage, celebrate childhood, and magnify the advent of the Holy Child. Capture the wonder and twinkle from a child’s eye and put it in your own – for today, for always, for yourself and for your children. Let joy be your tradition.