As a member of the MTV generation, my memories artistically flash by like music videos playing in my mind. I get visions of smiling faces, cheeks flush from spiced cocktails; my aunties dressing me in velvet dresses, trying to put curls in my hair. Glittering Christmas trees that look like they belong on the cover of a magazine, with tinkling globes and bells of glass, handmade decorations inherited from ancestors past. Cousins playing and laughing, while trying to stay out of trouble. Songs of Christmas carols that fill the nighttime air, while family and friends gather around the fireplace drinking eggnog and sharing stories of the year. Candles glow on the table, while atole simmers on the stove, mistletoe strung over every door.
My earliest memories of Christmas begin with the big Christmas Eve party that always took place at “Mima’s house.” Preparation would begin early in the day with everyone pitching in to clean and cook for the crowd. I remember clearly the scent of freshly polished wood mingling with the scents of simmering onions and chilies. When the festivities got under way, we kids would sit eagerly on the stairs as family would arrive in fancy dress full of Christmas cheer. Each family to arrive was greeted with a loud “hey” as they walked into the door and the noise would rise to a crescendo into the crisp eve. Dinner would be a feast, with the menu a surprise each year. After dinner we would sing carols well into the late night, finishing with jingle bells which would announce Santa’s arrival. Christmas evening was truly magical at my grandparent’s house.
On Christmas day my brother and I would rush down in our jammies to see what Santa had left us. The morning was spent opening presents and we would laze the rest of the day, watching Miracle on 34th street and It’s a Wonderful Life. These childhood memories are now spiked with more recent memories of Christmases spent climbing volcanoes, exploring ancient temples, sleeping on dive boats and eating our holiday dinner while sitting on the sand of a palm fringed beach. Traveling to far flung places have become our new Christmas tradition.
When Ava was born it was really important for us to begin our own family traditions. I struggled with the thought that Ava wouldn’t have that same feeling of wonderment that those large family gatherings brought me, so Gary and I began to infuse some of our family customs to begin our own family traditions. A few years ago my mom and dad were able to track down my Great-grandmother’s Christmas chocolate recipes and I now make those to share with friends. Just one bite brings back so many memories, they taste just like Christmas. This year my mom and dad came to Saigon for a visit and together we made Chiles Rellenos and Tamales for our holiday feast. With some practice I hope to master these recipes to add to our holiday menu. On Christmas morning, Gary has been continuing his family’s tradition of making Swedish hotcakes and adding an orange to the stockings.
Here are a few photos from this year’s Christmas celebration.
 |
| Enjoying our Posole |
 |
| Her gift from Mommy and Daddy |
 |
| Enjoying some tea |
 |
| Making cookies for Santa |
 |
| You can see that she taste tested this one. |
No comments:
Post a Comment