The Best.
Tis the season when people feel they must tell you the “best” of everything. Brand X is the BEST beer. I’m not much of a beer drinker, so that’s not important to me. Bell bottoms are the “BEST” fashion statement out there. Maybe for you. Black is this year’s Black only if it looks good on YOU.
I bring this up because in December we get the “best” gift (for him, her, it) “best” way to celebrate the holiday, “best” food to prepare/eat, “best” ear cleaner, nose-hair trimmer, personal wash, etc… It’s enough to make me book a one-way ticket to the Island of Misfit Toys with no return.
Remove “best” from your holiday planning. Learn where the “mute” button on your TV, is and use it liberally. What’s “best” for me, may not be the same for you.
The BEST Christmas Markets.
Mel’s Meat Market may be the best to my meat eating friends, the vegans in the group may feel differently. Some people shop at Needless Markup, while others stroll the aisles at Walmart. Which is best? For everyone I ask that question, there is a correct answer, but it is not necessarily the same answer for each person.
If your family ancestry dates back to England and one grandparent from Scotland than the “best” Christmas Market for you may not be the one in Zagreb Croatia. It is a beautiful market, but how can it be the “best” unless it has the words “for me” following it. Or, “for a selection of Croatian decorations, visit the” in front of it.
Christmas markets are different. Some are huge; some are only a few stalls. There are those that begin in November, while others are one weekend or just December 24th. Some have performers, others the people watching is the entertainment.
Unfortunately, commercialism is creeping into almost all of them on some level. The good news, many of those in Europe are closer to 99% traditional, than the other end of the spectrum. So what is the “best” Christmas Market for you?
The BEST Christmas Cuisine.
Without beating a dead bob-tailed horse, can we agree that not all traditional food is the “best” for you?
I am not saying you should not try it. On the contrary, I think you should sample most things once. While the sugar cookie is this person’s go to holiday treat, for others, it is a mince pie. Or what about the mysterious fruitcake cake?
Why did your grandmother always make that (bread, cookie, pie) at Christmas? Does that recipe come from Budapest, Bavaria or Boise?
Stop, and think about a traditional Christmas treat from your childhood. Where is its origin? Why was it part of your family’s celebration? A special cookie? The Christmas morning cake or was it a dish during the Christmas Day dinner?
Is there a particular restaurant you go to at Christmas? Why? How did that tradition begin?
For more than 20 years, I host a Christmas party at my home close to the beginning of December. Every year, people tell me how much they look forward to it as it “kicks off” their holiday and lets them forget about the outside world for a few hours. The menu this year is going to be 90% the same as what it was the first year.
Now and then, someone tries to change my traditional party. If it ain’t broke… You serve that Kale Christmas Tree dip at your party.
The guest list may change (a little) but not the traditional menu.
Where Do These Traditions Come From?
I don’t know. But traditions are a part of the Christmas fabric.
Back to my party. I spend several days making desserts that came from my mother. Many of these, came from her mother. Unfortunately, I do not know the history of the recipes past that generation. They are still old traditions to me.
My rum cake is not my mother’s tradition. I would guess most of my party guests probably did not have it growing up in their household. And yet, if I did not serve it, I would get coal in my stocking. It is a new tradition.
What are your traditions? Cherish and keep them.
When do You Celebrate Christmas?
Not everyone celebrates Christmas morning. Some countries it is December 24th, others it may be both. There are those who rejoice for one day, others for twelve. In most European countries, the holiday season runs most of the month. Even without a hallmark movie in sight, they still fill 30 days with activities.
So the “best” Christmas time to celebrate is, well, that’s not so clear.
It’s A Gift.
In Europe, it feels most people have a better grip on the real reason for the season. If you celebrate Christmas, or Hanukkah, the main gift is a miracle that happened many years ago. It is the basis for our faith. What your life or level of trust is today, is your own choice, but the original gift were these miracles.
The Material Gifts.
The Three Wise Men must look down and shake their heads on Black Friday. So many un-Christian acts, words and, thoughts in the name of Christmas.
In some countries, people do not get presents at all. Perhaps, this is more a financial reason than traditional. In other countries, it may just be one or two gifts.
On the family level, some buy gifts for everyone, while others have a secret Santa.
So there’s not even a “Best” Christmas gift-giving instruction manual.
Wrapping Up “Best” Christmas.
Give yourself a gift this Christmas. Don’t let others dictate what the best Christmas is for you.
Over the next few weeks, I will suggest some Christmas ideas. It’s up to you to make them come true.
What was your favorite pre-Christmas tradition? Do you still do that? If not, why not?
What was your favorite decoration? Where is it?
What is the one taste that makes your holiday? Who is making it this year?
Family and friends are just as important as being thankful 365 days of the year. Make sure you connect with them during this festive season.
Make sure you do one of your old “best” Christmas traditions.
Why not start a new “best” Christmas tradition as well?
Go out of your way to find, receive and share hope, joy, and love.
“Spain“Continued on Page T8. “Greek Beer” Continued on T14