Christmas is tradition on steroids. The colors, the decorations we haul out from the attic year after year, the songs…maybe a little jazzier but the ones we’ve heard all our lives. The food.
And we’ve made our own traditions unique to our family and friends. Opening presents on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas morning? Christmas turkey? Ham? Roast beef? Pizza? Go to grandma’s house? Does she fly to yours?
What traditions did you think up to suit your family? We leave cookies and a martini for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Santa needs something to keep him warm.
Did you ever take a tradition from a romance book and make it your own?
In one book I read where the family always had Sunday dinner at the parents’ house. Yeah, you’re right, that’s not just Christmas but it is one of the best things I ever did. Now that I’m an empty nester this makes sure we all get together at least once a week, arguments and all.
But I have stolen Christmas ideas too. Like Christmas PJs. We all get them to sleep in on Christmas Eve. By then we need them really bad and new ones make for nice Christmas pictures the next morning. I thought that one as genius!
And food. No turkey and ham for us we all dive in and make homemade ravioli. You should see my kitchen! I think I got this idea from a romance set in Italy at Christmas. Great book. Great food! Wish I had a maid.
And I read in one organized book…probably an inspirational…where they all took turns to open the presents and not all diving in at once. That makes Christmas last all morning and not just ten minutes.
Of course there are the other fun, ideas that aren’t exactly family oriented… I got a Santa-baby hat that’s worn to bed on Christmas night…forget the pj’s. And there is that very best, very personal, prezzie under the tree wrapped in just a big read bow. Icing is great for other things than Christmas cookies and that fur on Santa’s hat is really ticklish. You get the picture.
These are my favorite Christmas traditions I got from reading romances. Do you have some to share and did they make your Christmas a little more special?
I’ll give away two copies of I’m Your Santa from the answers.
Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy all those traditions and make a some great new ones.
Hugs,
Dianne Castell
DianneCastell.com
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Mom, my sister and I started a tradition many years ago where the 3 of us would go to an empty room after the gift exchange and we’d open presents that we got for each other. It was a time for ‘us’ ladies and something a little different; a special time after making the meal, doing the dishes, etc. The tradition has continued down through the years and still continues even though Mom has passed away 5 yrs. ago. Now we have sister-in-laws, nieces, etc. included.
I love this tradition. While the men are doing TV and sports and games, the woman get together and talk women things. That you you have so many taking part is a blessing. I’ll be thinking of you on Christmas.
Hugs, Dianne
Hi, Dianne!
I loved this book the first time it came out, so it’s nice to see it out again for those who missed it. I think I’m grabbing a copy for my aunt (also a WWR reviewer) who LOVES your books. She’s also fond of Lori and a few of the others so it might make a really great Christmas present. She’s still trying to find your last one in the Savannah series. :-) So I might have to grab that one too!
Heather R.
Hi, Heather.
The second Savannah book doesn’t come out till Nov 09.
So glad you enjoyed IYS. Thanks for having me blog here. What a fab site! Love it.
Hugs, Dianne
Hi, Dianne!
I absolutely love your books! You have a way that adds southern charm and sophisticated hotties together to give a fabulous read. It’s nice to know the next Savannah book will be out next year, but Lord does it have to be so far away? ROFL!
Where will you be blogging next? I’m there.
Hi, Karen!
Wow, you made my day. :-) Thanks so much for the kind words. I blog Jan 14 at Access Romance.
Have a wonderful holiday season and thanks for writing.
Dianne
Hey, Karen, Heather and Robin. If you’d like a copy of I’m Your Santa or Star Quality, email me at DianneCastell@hotmail.com with your address and which book and I’ll send it out to you.
Thanks for chatting.
Hugs, Dianne