Why are traditions around Holiday time so important?  Why do we crave time with our families?  Why are churches overflowing at Christmas time?  I believe the Christmas season is filled with hope, love and the need to belong somewhere and with someone.  This is why traditions with family and Church at Christmas are important. 

 My family is from a rural community in Southern Minnesota where we attended a very small country Lutheran church.  During the Christmas season, there was no night bigger than Christmas Eve.  As kids, our Sunday School Christmas program was performed on Christmas Eve, where we sang the traditional Christmas Carols, the girls and boys were dressed as innkeepers, angels, Shepherd’s, Wisemen, Mary, Joseph and a doll as baby Jesus.  The Christmas story was read as we acted out each part.  After our performance, the church service always ended with the congregation singing “Stille Nacht” – “Silent Night” in German.  Did I mention, this church was founded by German immigrants?  To this very day, I still tear up singing “Stille Nacht” and can sing it by memory!  On our way out of the church, the council members had a special treat for each of the children.  It was a paper bag filled with nuts, candy (ribbon candy, chocolate bon bons, angel candy) and an orange.  This was a treat we always enjoyed!

 Our Christmas Eve meal is Oyster Stew and crackers.  This is a very simple soup – milk, butter, salt, pepper and Oysters.  Since I have been eating this soup my entire life, I look forward to it every Christmas Eve.

 Christmas Eve is also when my family exchanges and opens presents.  After our soup, church, opening presents, drinking apple cider, eating cookies and playing games – we head off to bed for a nights rest.

Even though my family isn’t always together on Christmas Eve, I can guarantee wherever we are, thoughts of Oyster stew, church and singing “Stille Nacht” are what makes us smile.  Have a blessed Holiday season. 

Author:  Leah Derewicz – wife & mother of 2 amazing boys.  Owner of Peacock Pottery