Old-time Holiday Traditions

[FarmerJamie]

Just sitting here with coffee and memories this morning, curious if anyone would share traditions (treasured or not so treasured) from years gone by. Partly inspired by a life journal book with tons of questions given to me by my eldest. "A Father's Life" is the book, they have versions for mothers, too.

Homemade holiday treats - both grandmothers had tables covered in iced sugar cookies, pinwheel cookies, and assortments too plentiful to remember. Cookie stashes would last until mid January with the dessicated remains of the least popular varieties sometimes being thrown out. My maternal grandmother also made tons if candies- peanut brittle, carmels, hard tack, chocolate peanut clusters, to name a few.

I tried to continue the cookie baking tradition with the kids but it fizzled out as they were teens during the divorce and it became logistically diffucult. I will still make one or two varieties for them to send home with them when they visit.

What say you? What other memories would you like to share?

 

[murphysranch]

Grandfather Ehly, when they would visit us from Philly, would string a huge cowbell across the hallway. That way the 4 of us couldn't get to the tree. I continued that tradition with my kids. I still have the bell!!

 

[flowerbug]

i'll always fondly remember my one aunt who made miniature pecan pies (i guess they would be called tarts even if they weren't tart at all). they were about about 4cm across and very yummy.

she also made some soft cookies that were rolled in crushed pecans and a maraschino cherry half stuck in the center and the black walnut cookies that i still make myself from time to time.

we used to get together and eat and then play some games but times have changed.