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Christmas Present Overload
Too much!!!
A child’s joy over a much desired Christmas present is priceless. Children screaming with excitement for 30 presents each while the parents cheer them on is annoying.
I endured just such a Christmas Eve spectacle, my first “American” Christmas.
In Germany, when we were little and still believed in the “Christ child,” the tree was decorated on Christmas Eve by two adults who stayed behind while the children and the rest of the family went to church.
Coming home, the children admired the tree and then had to sing a few Christmas carols before they could open their presents, usually two or three.
Then a traditional Christmas meal was shared.
Before we even got to this day, we had our Advent calendar to help us count down the days. We reviewed the meaning of Christmas at home and at school. We celebrated St. Martin’s Day in November, built our lanterns, and were part of the annual procession. We celebrated St. Nicolas Day on December 6th.
I kept as many of those traditions alive for my own daughter even here in the United States.
The American Christmas
There was no such Christmas spirit in my daughter’s new husband’s family. The children were prompted to wish us…
