Christmas was a happy time on the farm. Trekking through the woods, chopping down the perfect tree. Dragging it home and decorating with colorful lights, hand-crafted ornaments, candy canes, popcorn strings, paper chains, and tinsel hung like icicles. The Star topped our masterpiece.

Christmas Eve candlelight services were a beautiful, moving occasion to reflect on the reason for the season. Then home for hot chocolate and cookies before bed, anxiously anticipating Santa.

Christmas morning, up early eager to see what lie under the tree. With presents beautifully wrapped, we always found, tucked in our stocking’s toe — an orange.

99 Word Challenge from Carrot Ranch, Dec 3rd – Traditions

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My parents were simple folks – hard working, probably poor in the monetary sense, deeply religious and committed to their family. Mom was one of 9 and Dad one of 4. The families were big and we would visit both for Christmas in one day, meal one with Mom’s family and meal two with Dad’s. Everybody would be there. I remember Christmas being about family and food — it was such fun.