Here we are again, Christmas is upon us, and, if you are like me, there are things that rest in your holiday DNA that just seem to jump out year after year. My "must do" list includes putting candles in the window (now I use the flameless ones); arranging oranges and walnuts in bowls, preparing hot chocolate with peppermint sticks and gobs of freshly whipped cream, setting up the crèche with the magi in transit, and in homage to my Scandinavian in-laws, simmering glogg based loosely on Uncle Ole's recipe: aquavit or rum with raisins, blanched whole almonds, cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange peel mixed with hearty red wine. There have been variations of this basic recipe over the years with many debates and annual rivalries, but the spirit of the "spirit" of the Christmas Spirit was always accompanied by the smell of warm glogg on the stove.
So, our familial traditions were always a mishmash of Northern European traditions: Irish, British, German and Swedish melded with the hustle and bustle of New York City during the holidays...a cosmopolitan celebration of mixed messages: blue and white Chanukah lights with dreidels, latkes, jelly doughnuts, and chocolate coins covered in "gold" foil; Salvation Army Santas ringing their bells on the streets in Manhattan by Macy's; the decorated shop windows along Fifth and Seventh Avenues; the over-the-top Christmas lights in Dyker Heights and Belmont; the smell of roasting chestnuts near the Rockefeller Center Tree; the decorations at St. Patrick's Cathedral; the Nutcracker at the NYC Ballet; the decorated trees at Lincoln Center and Wall Street...these all mix together to make this time of year a great time to be in the city that never sleeps.
Over the past few years I have had to adapt my holiday activities to my new lifestyle as a downsized single adult. I went from my parents' house to living with my late spouse in various apartments and houses. I now essentially have a space of my own which is smaller than the space that could hold 30 to 40 people for a party or other gathering. So, you adapt. December 23rd will find me with cousins in Connecticut for a holiday gathering. I show up with a good bottle of wine and assorted gifts for kiddoes and have a wonderful time. On Christmas Eve after the family service at my church, I take my immediate family and others to dinner at my favorite restaurant. I have given up wrapping lots and lots of presents and take the kinder and grandkinder to a NYC event of their choosing. This year they chose to return to that New York staple: the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall complete with dancing Santas and high-kicking Rockettes. Christmas Day itself will be low-key. Lunch at my son's with the newest grandchild and others for an informal gathering. New traditions for a new chapter of life.
Now, it is important for all of us to understand that we are celebrating real miracles. For our Jewish friends, it is the miracle of the Festival of Lights; a time for new hope and revitalization. For we Christians it is the miracle of the Incarnation: God made man. The beginning of our salvation story. So, Come let us celebrate together; gather with friends and family; enjoy old traditions or start new ones; blend and bend and dance and sing together: Let the Earth rejoice!
A very Swanson Christmas
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So, our familial traditions were always a mishmash of Northern European traditions: Irish, British, German and Swedish melded with the hustle and bustle of New York City during the holidays...a cosmopolitan celebration of mixed messages: blue and white Chanukah lights with dreidels, latkes, jelly doughnuts, and chocolate coins covered in "gold" foil; Salvation Army Santas ringing their bells on the streets in Manhattan by Macy's; the decorated shop windows along Fifth and Seventh Avenues; the over-the-top Christmas lights in Dyker Heights and Belmont; the smell of roasting chestnuts near the Rockefeller Center Tree; the decorations at St. Patrick's Cathedral; the Nutcracker at the NYC Ballet; the decorated trees at Lincoln Center and Wall Street...these all mix together to make this time of year a great time to be in the city that never sleeps.
Over the past few years I have had to adapt my holiday activities to my new lifestyle as a downsized single adult. I went from my parents' house to living with my late spouse in various apartments and houses. I now essentially have a space of my own which is smaller than the space that could hold 30 to 40 people for a party or other gathering. So, you adapt. December 23rd will find me with cousins in Connecticut for a holiday gathering. I show up with a good bottle of wine and assorted gifts for kiddoes and have a wonderful time. On Christmas Eve after the family service at my church, I take my immediate family and others to dinner at my favorite restaurant. I have given up wrapping lots and lots of presents and take the kinder and grandkinder to a NYC event of their choosing. This year they chose to return to that New York staple: the Christmas Show at Radio City Music Hall complete with dancing Santas and high-kicking Rockettes. Christmas Day itself will be low-key. Lunch at my son's with the newest grandchild and others for an informal gathering. New traditions for a new chapter of life.
Now, it is important for all of us to understand that we are celebrating real miracles. For our Jewish friends, it is the miracle of the Festival of Lights; a time for new hope and revitalization. For we Christians it is the miracle of the Incarnation: God made man. The beginning of our salvation story. So, Come let us celebrate together; gather with friends and family; enjoy old traditions or start new ones; blend and bend and dance and sing together: Let the Earth rejoice!
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