In our non-religious household we celebrate with a mishmash of traditions on Christmas eve. No tree, though my grandkids will hopefully create paper-and-sequin ornaments for the potted Norfolk Pine that I've nurtured since it was a sprout and now stands four feet tall in the corner of my dining room. Brisket and potato latkes for dinner. Banana cream pie for dessert (a new tradition).
And after dinner, this year trying something new, charades that our 5-year-old Frances Louise can play with the answers children's book titles (Mr. Brown Can Moo, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom...)
At some point someone will read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas and I'll try, unsuccessfully, to get people to listen to "A Child's Christmas in Wales." We'll listen to "The Nutcracker." And... then I'll probably have to send someone to the 7-Eleven for something I forgot to buy for breakfast.
In the morning, there will always be a Christmas card for me, drawn by my husband. Here's one from a few years back...
Do you manage NOT to have to go to the stores at the last minute? And what's your night-before-Christmas tradition?
RHYS BOWEN: Luckily we have a couple of stores that stay open on Christmas day, so if someone knocks over the carton of eggs, we can replace them.
I try to be organized. I have three big soups made, half a ham for emergencies, hopefully enough mince pies and sausage rolls for between meals. Christmas Eve is low key for us. Both daughter Jane and son Dominic are with in-laws, so it's just daughter Anne, newly arrived from LA with her little dog and us. I have to sing with my church choir at 9 p.m. vigil mass, then we may play a competitive game of Boggle or Scrabble before bed.
On Christmas Day Jane's family arrives for brunch. We open gifts,
Dominic and Meredith meet us to go on a walk, then it's tea, more presents and a big turkey dinner, after which we play something... reverse charades is a new favorite, but Taboo also fun! This year we are without Clare's family from Phoenix, so it's a manageable number that won't require a second dinner table. I like to think I'm super organized but one year we were thrown a curve ball when the power went out on Christmas morning. We ended up with Chinese take out at our festive dinner table! Now I think I'm better about rolling with the punches... and sorry, too many metaphors in that sentence! Happy Holidays to everyone.
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: What is reverse charades, Rhys? And
we are having a very quiet holiday..the kids are all in California, so we will have champagne and beef tenderloin and I will gripe that we never have a tree and Jonathan will say we're Jewish and I will say a tree is a tree. That is our tradition! And I will try not to open any presents on Christmas Eve. We always tried to get mom to let us when were were kids, and she never would. Now I see why. And maybe we will go see Vice. (And Hallie, now I am trying figure out how to act out Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.. will there be enough room? LOVE that book!) JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: My last minute item might BE my tree - as of writing this on Friday, I still don't have one, and there's really no time to get to one of the local lots before Sunday. Check with me in the comments to see if I've got it up by Christmas Eve! Maybe I can claim I'm renewing the 19th century German and Austrian tradition, where the tree is erected and decorated in secret
on the night before Christmas and the children first see it in the morning.Our Christmas eve tradition consists of either Chinese take out or a simple crock pot meal, watching DIE HARD, and attending either the 5pm service (with the Christmas pageant) or the 10pm service (with the Portland Brass Ensemble playing.) Other less-hallowed traditions include everyone asking me where the wrapping supplies are, worrying whether the goose is defrosting fast enough, and staying up much later than I want to in order to... meet Santa when he arrives. In a house full of young adults who stay up later than I do, Santa may arrive very early in the morning instead.
There are always, always last minute ingredients to buy. I'm pretty sure I'm going to be stopping in at the local Hanneford on the way to church. For some reason, no matter how much butter I buy, it's never enough.
LUCY BURDETTE: I think we're having crabcakes and shrimp
for Christmas eve--that will definitely be a day-of purchase. Then we ride our bikes to the 7 pm service of lessons and carols. This year I know my friend Erik is singing O Holy Night--he's got a beautiful tenor voice and I am so looking forward to that! Christmas day we are flying to California to see the kids and grandkids. I'm planning nothing because with 2 kids under 3 years old, it would likely all fly out the window anyway! Wishing you all a wonderful season...
JENN McKINLAY: I am always at the store on Xmas Eve! It’s a curse I can’t seem to break. Probably, because I usually spend the
day baking before we go to church and I always forget that one random ingredient. Sometimes it’s molasses for a last minute shoefly pie or whatever crazy idea has leapt into my head. This year, because our family lost a beloved member I have not even bought one present. Hub and I are donning our battle gear as I write! Pray for us - we’re going to the mall (gasp)! Happy Holidays, everyone. Peace be with you.
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Fingers crossed I don't have to go to the store on Christmas Eve! I did part of my my food shopping on
Saturday and picked up a few more things yesterday. For years, we've gone to a big get-together at my in-laws on Christmas Eve, starting at five or six and usually not getting home until close to midnight. This year, the party is starting early, at two, in deference to the little ones. So I am really, really hoping that we may get to enjoy a quiet Christmas Eve at home after that.
My dream Christmas Eve would be spent watching Love Actually with a cup of hot chocolate in front of the fire, then reading "A Child's Christmas in Wales" last thing before I go to bed.
All this, of course, is assuming I'm not still wrapping!! Or cooking! Wishing you all a wonderful holiday!
HALLIE EPHRON:
What are you day-before traditions? Cooking or Chinese food. Love Actually or Die Hard? Goose (really, Julia?!?) or ham? Wrapping or UNwrapping??
No last minute trips to the store . . . I’ve been baking cookies for days now, and John’s already done a few trips to the store for me. But there will be present-wrapping and card-writing.
ReplyDeleteTonight we will have scallops and lobster mac and cheese for dinner; then, as always, we’ll go to the midnight candlelight service. And tomorrow we’ll have a family get-together [I’m making chocolate cranberry fudge cake for that] . . . .
mmm, all sounds delicious Joan!
DeleteChocolate cranberry fudge cake?!?!
DeleteRecipe !! Yum!!
DeleteChocolate Cranberry Fudge Cake
DeletePreheat oven to 325ºF. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with foil. Coat foil with cooking spray. Dust pan with flour, tap to remove excess.
To make the cake:
Microwave for one minute: 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 cup butter, and 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate. Stir until smooth. Microwave for thirty seconds more if necessary to melt chocolate.
Add 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup sugar; mix well.
Add 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup flour, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Mix well; pour batter in prepared pan.
Bake for 40 minutes or until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pan for thirty minutes, then refrigerate until cold.
To make the glaze:
Microwave for thirty seconds: 1/4 cup whipping cream and 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Microwave for thirty seconds more if necessary to melt chocolate.
Add 1/4 cup jellied cranberry sauce; mix well.
Turn cake out onto serving plate; remove foil. Spread glaze over top allowing some to drip down sides of cake. Chill one hour or until glaze is firm. Decorate, if desired, with sugared cranberries.
Store at room temperature. [This recipe is from Ocean Spray.]
I will wrap the last couple of presents this morning, then it is pretty much a low-key day. Since the only child left is 19, getting up at 5 am won't be happening tomorrow! I will be filling the pets stocking in the morning, as I don't trust them to leave them alone at night!
ReplyDeleteAll of your food sounds so good! I am actually having baked spaghetti, garlic bread and salad tomorrow. Ryhs, what recipes do you use for your mince pies and sausage rolls?
Thank you so much for all of the hard work you do writing your books. They mean so much to me.
Happy Holidays to all of you and your families!
WE are grateful to YOU for reading Deb!
DeleteThank YOU, Deb!
DeleteAw Deb, love you! And we used to have pet stockings too—aw, what a sweet memory!
DeleteNo kids, only a few presents to wrap for friends, and most of the cooking I'm responsible for on Christmas Day is on-the-day cooking--pies, and deviled eggs, I'm told. So Christmas Eve Day is just for me. I know what I'm fixing myself for dinner. My little tree is up. I've got the whole week ahead of me for resting and reading and writing. I think it will be good. Happy holidays to you all, whatever and however you celebrate!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a great week Gigi (from one who will be dashing after toddlers)!
DeleteSounds lovely, Gigi - chasing toddlers here, too, all of whom are little snerfy nosed disease vectors.
DeleteSounds so perfect!
DeleteLaughing, Hallie! My sister's (Marsha's) grandchild (4 years old), coughing into his elbow and saying "Don't make Marshie sick! Don't make Marshie sick for Christmas!"
DeleteWe used to go out for Chinese Christmas Eve but this year we8re going for Sushi. Our favorite Chinese restaurant is near a mall and it’s hard to get there for dinner tonight
ReplyDeleteYum sushi. Yes, wise not to attempt a mall.
DeleteWe’re having Chinese food on Wednesday! But still —after all these years—searching for the best place. Xxxx have fun!
DeleteI love hearing everyone's traditions. For years we have been spending Christmas Eve with dear friends, and this year there is a darling one-year-old girl in the family, so it's starting earlier. But when I was awake at 3 AM I remembered a few more things to get at the grocery store, and I think I have a little more wrapping to do, too. Merry Christmas to all!
ReplyDeleteYes, those are the things that keep us up... I'm all wrapped and have assigned leftover errands to my husband.
DeleteYup! (Why are you up so early??) xxxx
DeleteHank, it was involuntary, believe me! I blessedly fell back asleep until 6:30 (which is sleeping in for this morning owl...).
DeleteAt this point, with all the kids grown, we keep the whole Christmas thing as simple and carefree as possible, and I love it. My daughters love to do all the cooking, and I am glad to pass the torch! Even presents are very simple now, because one daughter motioned that we stop the consumerism and overspending, and just everyone buy one present for each of the little kids (4 of them, ages 3, 3, 2 and 1), preferably a book or an intelligent game, and that's it. Many might find this a little too simple, but we are so happy to do Christmas this way--no pressure, just spending the time together. Oh, and as for food, my girls are vegan, and they make the most delicious, gourmet, vegan Christmas food. It's out of this world. If you'd like to see what that is like, and if you are on Instagram, check out "Food by Rosemary." She photographs what she cooks almost every day. It's really lovely and inspiring.
ReplyDeleteSo Merry Christmas to All! And Happy New Year!
Oh, Keziah - this sounds great. Simple and full of the right kinds of feelings, makig memories. My daughter is making pancakes right now for all of us. While I've got the crust for a cream pie toasting in the oven.
DeleteOh I will look at that right now! Xxxx
DeleteThank you, Hallie and Hank!
DeleteI'm working Christmas like a boss this year. Tree up and decorated weeks ago. The cookies were done on Saturday. The Boy and I wrapped presents on Saturday. All the ingredients for dinner (prime rib this year) are purchased - which is good. because I ran out to Target for an extra pack of coffee and candy canes for the tree, and people are CRAZY.
ReplyDeleteFor us it's usually spaghetti and meatballs for Christmas Eve dinner. Late night Mass (10pm). We used to track Santa on NORAD when the kids were small - that helped me get them to bed (when they were small we did the children's Mass at 4pm Christmas Eve). Christmas Morning is luxurious. Cinnamon rolls for breakfast and leisurely gift opening. Dinner early in the afternoon and cookie-snacking all day.
Merry Christmas!
Mary/Liz
Cinnamon rolls? Do you make your own?
DeleteCinnamon rolls! Yes—another wonderful memory! That fragrance.... even the ones in the roll that you whap to open are delish—do they still have those?
DeleteMy mom always made bisquick cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, and I made my own (whole wheat from scratch...with LOTS of butter) for years, but we have scaled back the richness and this year opted for two croissants from a local bakery to go with our scrambled eggs, bacon, and mimosas tomorrow morning. ;^)
DeleteThe cinnamon rolls in Alton Brown's Good Eats cookbook are delightful. We make them every Christmas. Be aware they must sit in the fridge overnight.
DeleteI THINK I have everything under control! But who knows! I hope I don't have to go to a store, but it's early yet, isn't it.
ReplyDeleteHoping you're right.
DeleteI actually love to go to stores today—people are so nuts!
DeleteI'm doing my ingredient inventory so the jingle joggers (fueled with chocolate chunk Nutella cookies) can pick something up on the way home. Two Christmas day breakfast casseroles, ham with cranberry glaze tonight and sweet potato casserole, beef bourguignon for dinner tomorrow. Love Actually after the children's service and dinner. My daughters do all the wrapping. A VW sized stack of shipping boxes is still in the front hall. I suggested gift bags or even a bow on shipping box. No worries, Mom.
ReplyDeleteWe bought our grandkids are tumbling mat - 8 feet by 4 feet, even folded in quarters it's LARGE. I suggested wrapping it in a sheet.
DeleteWow I forgot about beef bourgignon—talk about fragrance! And it is so yummy. Do you use tenderloin or what?
Deletejust remembered! 100th anniversary of the Kings College Lessons and Carols on public radio at 10EST. I always listen while I'm cooking.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if we get this... going to look.
DeleteOh we will check it out! And must hear Hallelujah Chorus!
DeleteI have no idea how this happened but I seem to be DONE with all the Christmas prep a day early, Please mark this occasion on your calendars because I'm pretty sure we won''t see this again in my lifetime. Gifts all wrapped. Table set. All recipes printed out and reviewed TWICE for ingredients which have all been acquired on yesterday's kamakaze assault on the market. I have even watched Love Actually!
ReplyDeleteToday will be last minute tiding up and the 10 pm candlelight service at church.
Dear JRW family, May the joy of Christmas wrap you all in a hug that lasts through out the coming year.
Awwwww you too, Lyda! You all are our gift!
DeleteXxx
Bob and I sing in the choir at our Catholic church, and the choir does a half hour "prelude" (more of a mini concert) before "midnight" Mass (which cleverly begins at 10:00.) But up until then, we have a really quiet day planned. I am about to start the homemade chicken noodle soup that allows for eating whenever one wants to eat. Our almost-son will drop by sometime in the early afteronoon, and we will phone a few out-of-state elderly relatives. I THINK no store runs will be required. Tomorrow it will be just our son, my sister, and Bob and me here for gifts and a pot roast. (Pot roast doesn't sound festive, but over the years we have found it is a dish we all really enjoy, and it minimizes the fuss and bother on the actual day, as I can do all the prep this afternoon.) It will be a cozy, quiet day of contentment.
ReplyDeleteWe are fortunate to get a second, completely different Christmas celebration at the weekend. Bob is the eldest of eight children, and his mom worked as the head nurse on the pediatric ward of their local hospital. So the tradition she established as her kids left home was to hold the family Christmas the Saturday after the holiday. This allowed her to work on Christmas, giving young mothers in her employ the opportunity to be home with their kids, and her children the opportunity to please their spouses and in-laws on Christmas. Even though she is now 90 and clearly not working, the tradition remains. So on Saturday we will be with those of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who can make it for what is always a rollicking, loud, somewhat-boozy day of joy.
What a perfect tradition! Awwww... that is so lovely and loving! Have fun—xxxx and Christmas can be when you say it is! Xxx
DeleteSusan, my husband is the oldest of five, so our Christmas Eve festivity is always a BIG party, with siblings, their kids, our kids, and now all the kids' kids!
DeleteFirst, blessed holidays to all of my Reds and fellow readers! Peace come to all of you throughout the season and the new year.
ReplyDeleteToday, tidying up and any prep to make tomorrow's dinner easier. Small ham on the menu for the traditionalists, for the rest of us, meatloaf with brown gravy--meaning meatloaf sandwiches for Boxing Day! And Rhys--could you please share your recipe for sausage rolls again? I've managed to lose it and my older nephew loved them last year.
Merry Christmas, everyone! It's great fun to read all your traditions.
ReplyDeleteWe used to have them, but now with our kids scattered, and with families of their own, we wing it every year. Our big tradition has boiled down to being together on Thanksgiving.
I used to make sour milk coffeecake for Christmas morning, which turned into cinnamon rolls. And someone read Then Night Before Christmas before bed on Christmas Eve. We still open gifts one at a time, though.
I'm just grateful to be together at this point. That's my favorite tradition, and gift.
Got back from a trip yesterday. I need to go pick up a few things at the grocery. Also need to take a growler over to Whole Foods to fill up for my nephew-in-law’s present. We’re doing low key this year. Inviting local family and nextdoor neighbor over Xmas evening for eats and drinks. It will be a lot of finger foods and totally self service once I set everything out. Right now I’m trying to talk myself into going to the store and getting that over with!
ReplyDeleteI might have to run out to the grocery store today but that's about it for me. And it is just to pick up something for me to have for dinner tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteThe couple that is part of the trivia team I'm on have invited me to their Xmas Eve party today. Otherwise I'd be home doing pretty much nothing today. Tomorrow I'll be going over for dessert to a family friend's home but that's about it.
Essentially, the Xmas holiday is pretty much a non-event for me these days. I'll be reading a book to review for Mystery Scene, writing a CD review or a new article for my series The Cassette Chronicles. Oh, and I'll be going to the movie theater to see Aquaman.
I've already written about what we'd do for Xmas when I was kid earlier this week so there's no need to rehash that here again.
I confess the goose is not our usual Christmas fare, though I've cooked one once before for the day. We usually have roast beef, but a friend who raises chicken and geese gave me two lovely birds, suitably processed and frozen. How could I not? Goose is a big bird, I'm not going to defrost one just for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to report my kids DID find a tree yesterday, and it's up but not decorated. Also, in a power move, I got (almost) all my presents wrapped last night after they kids retired upstairs, which makes everything easier tonight. I spelt in until 9:30 and am now hitting the kitchen to begin cooking ahead - dinner is for 21 tomorrow at 3!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
LOVE that typo. "I spelt in until 9:30" Most people count sheep to fall asleep, not authors.
DeleteHallie, is that your copy of A Child's Christmas in Wales in the photo? I have the same one, with the woodcuts, but my cover is pale blue. I also have a copy with lovely color illustrations, but the original is still my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI am behind! Haven't started the slow-cooked brisket, which I meant to do last night, and have not wrapped a single gift! But I'm determined to enjoy the day and not be too stressed over it all. So looking forward to our almost-three-year-old's Christmas tomorrow, and a lovely gathering of friends and family. We've tried to plan a really easy meal, so I'll let you know how it all works out! Wishing you all a blessed day, whatever you celebrate.
Sadly I don't have a coy of A Child's Christmas in Wales. I have to print it off the Internet when it comes time to read... if anyone will let me.
DeleteWonderful traditions, everyone! I love Christmas! I never knew that Christmas was a religious holiday until I was older. When I was a kid, I thought of Santa Claus, the tree, candy canes, snowmen as part of Christmas. I recently learned about hygge, a Danish tradition of comfortable and cozy, which I love. I also learned about a tradition in Iceland that involves books as Christmas gifts. As a child, every year we would go to the Dickens Christmas Faire in San Francisco.
ReplyDeleteWishing everyone a Merry Christmas or as they say in the United Kingdom, Happy Christmas!
Diana
That moment when you go to make Oreo pie and discover a hooligan found your hidden Oreos and ate them all. Yes, this is happening IRL right now. Ahhhhhhhhh!!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like "No Presents For Christmas" (by Mercyful Fate) needs to be the theme for your holiday revenge on said hooligan!
DeleteI read this right after I made a graham cracker crust and then dropped the pie pan on the floor, shattering it into a gazillion pieces. Press restart. Fortunately noo need to go to the store again.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNo Christmas Eve traditions for me any more. Things are different every year. I need to wrap all the presents in the next couple of hours. Then I’m going to Mass at 4 this afternoon. Tomorrow I’ll have dinner at a relative’s house.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I had to go out for an appointment. There wasn’t a lot of traffic. After my appointment I decided to go to a store in the next town over to use a 30% off discount coupon. Today was the last day to use it. Again, not a lot of traffic. There’s more traffic on those roads on a Sunday afternoon. There was only one person in line in front of me at the cash register.(And I’m going to brag here: I recently lost a lot of weight and need some smaller clothing. Today I bought a pair of jeans that are four sizes smaller than what I wore to the store! Hurray for me!)
Merry Christmas to all!
DebRo
Bravo on the weight loss! And the no-traffic.
DeleteTraditions seem to come and go, especially since my brother has a family now and they need to include my sister-in-law's family. We definitely always make the Christmas Eve service since he's a pastor and will be there. This year, it's over to their house briefly tomorrow morning, then back here to open presents before my uncle and aunt arrive with more presents. Then Christmas dinner, which will include my sister-in-law's parents. (They are opening presents with them right now.)
ReplyDeleteMy traditions have been slowly morphing the last couple of years. I still go down to church and help decorate, though this year someone else arranged the Altar flowers. Our 140 year old redwood church is set and ready. I'll be dimming the lights at our midnight service during Silent Night, something I've done forever. And something new this year, I'm working. I volunteered because I wanted a week off at Thanksgiving. After work, I will enjoy my oyster dressing with cranberry relish. I did go to the local CVS for nail polish remover so I can repair a badly broken nail. A slight line but not bad at all. Now home and laundry before tonight's service. Actually, laundry seems to be a tradition.....
ReplyDeleteThis year, as in most years, it's just my wife and me. So, Christmas dinner is on Christmas Eve, this year it's lasagne, with hard rolls, caesar salad, and cheesecake. Later, we'll listen to the Nutcracker on CD and enjoy either a little champagne or spiked eggnog. We don't open presents until tomorrow, after having our home-made cinnamon rolls and coffee. We try to stretch it out, but it's soon over with just the two of us. Then it's reading, especially since we always receive books. Lazy, relaxing, just what Christmas should be.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to my first quiet Christmas. Actually saving my package of gifts until after work, opening them while my oyster dressing is baking. I bought some books just for me. I'm going to enjoy my peace.
DeleteI baked my grandma's black walnut cake today. I will take some along to my sister-in-law's tomorrow. Tonight I'm watching Midsommer Murders and maybe a Hallmark movie, and reading, of course. Thanks for all the books you've written. Merry Christmas to all!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to church with a friend tonight. I shopped for last minute things today at Whole Foods, but the card reader wouldn't read my bank card, and the manager refused to enter the numbers manually. He had rather a remarkably nasty smile while he said "too bad." I asked him to please call my bank to verify, but he wouldn't. I started to cry, because I had no food in the fridge, and I wouldn't be able to take the paratransit van, because that takes an advance appointment. I just cried. Then a woman brought my groceries outside and said that she had paid for them... I was overwhelmed by her kindness. I need to be back in the city where real transit exists, and many things are in walking distance. The neighborhood is quiet. I'm going to friend's house for dinner tomorrow. This is my first Christmas without Steve. We met 50 years ago, today.
ReplyDeleteSo glad there was someone there with the spirit of Christmas. Hope you have a good day at your friend's.
DeleteYes, thank you. A bit like a movie.
DeleteI hope you report the manager.
ReplyDeleteI had to leave to leave to catch my ride, and I didn't know his name. I do know, however, that others spoke up. I'm fine now and more capable of taking care of things in the moment. That day was my first at that store without my husband who had died just months before. I'm glad I went and found such kindness there despite a seriously disturbed person in charge. I'll go back. I'll be okay.
DeleteWay to go, Julia, with the tree all done and ready for Christmas! You reminded me that when my dad was growing up, his family always decorated their tree on Christmas Eve and presented it in all its glory to his little sister on Christmas morning. His grandparents, who were raising him, were the children of German immigrants and I imagine they went with what they knew. I always thought that sounded terrible--so many days of enjoying tree forfeited--but I remember how his eyes would light up when he would talk about the magic of decorating the tree on Christmas Eve. He also told a story about getting pretty drunk as a high schooler and passing out on the front steps, which was apparently where they would set up the tree, so that in the morning his little sister raced down to find not only her decorated tree but her drunken older brother, snoring under the tree where his friends has left him.
ReplyDeleteBack to Die Hard, missing my funny old dad...
amazing
ReplyDeleteTwas the night before God came and all through the house, Not an individual was asking, no lady of the hour to embrace. Our Bibles were put away in the storage room some place, with the expectation that the Word would develop us from that point.
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas stories! Especially when done in a good voice. Great site and articles!
ReplyDelete