Monday, December 22, 2008

Un-Traditions

Becky has tagged me to write six random things about myself. But I think I did a blog similar to that a few months ago... and since I cheat, er change, the tags I do to what I feel like writing about, I'll just write six un-traditions my family has for Christmas.

1. Somehow, it is ALWAYS my mom's turn to say Family Prayer on Christmas morning. When you've got 4 little kids (or 4 big kids) excited to go see what Santa left them, there's nothing more agonizing than to have the most loquacious person in the house called on to pray.
2. As previously mentioned, my dad was an OB/GYN. He also was magically on call every Christmas of my growing up life. So, in addition to the lovely prayers my mother would offer, we had to wait until 9:30-10:00ish before Dad was home to start opening presents. By that time, we could hear the kids out in the neighborhood playing with their new toys. Unfair I tell you. And inevitably, half-way through the festivities, the phone would ring calling Dad away for another hour or two to deliver a Christmas baby, which left us kids sitting forlornly in the living room staring at our unopened gifts.
*Don't think for a second, though, that we would ever do present without our parents. We were anxious, but we had hearts, too.*
3. One year, it was just myself and one other brother home for Christmas. We waited a long time for Dad to come home, and started watching the movie Con Air. Then, Dad got home-but the movie wasn't over. So we had to finish. And by the time it ended, Dad was called away again so we waited a couple more hours to start gifts! But for the next few years, Joey and I would watch that movie together around Christmas time.
4. My parents always gave us Christmas Eve jammies. And the past few years they keep saying we're too old for such things. And the past few years I get angry that they say that. And they keep getting jammies. I love my Christmas jammies. Here's a picture of two of my brothers in Chinese jammies (another brother and his wife live there and my mom had him get them) from two years ago. Yes, the one on the right does have pants on. Yes, that is a normal pose for the both of them. And no, I still am not too old for Christmas jammies.
5. Instead of turkey for Christmas dinner, we have flank steak. Less mess and less time involved, plus it's one of my favorite foods. It's a win-win!
6. One of my dad's favorite Christmas songs is "Thistlehair the Christmas Bear," by Alabama. It's my mom's least favorite song. So every year, the day after Thanksgiving, that's the first song he puts on as we begin decorating. My mom grouses (but is a good sport) and we laugh. I think it's safe to say that "Thistlehair" has a special place in all our hearts.

So there you go. My un-traditions. I don't think it would be a real Christmas without them. I won't tag six people, cuz I know it's a busy time of year. But if anyone else does this, be it with traditions, random quirks, favorite Christmas foods....I'd love to know so I can read about them.

Merry Christmas!!!

19 comments:

Erin said...

I have never, ever had flank steak! I think it's going on my next grocery list. (P.S. Is there a special way to make it?)

Becky said...

Ha! My dad's not a doctor, but he always made us get dressed and ready for the day (breakfast included) before we opened presents. I'm all about opening presents in pjs, though.

Thanks for playing along!

The Jessee Journal said...

I know good ol' "Thistlehair" as well. But then again, that shouldn't surprise you since I listen to the Statler Brothers Christmas CD religiously.

Deb said...

I love this idea! I'll try to do it later in the week...thanks so much, your stories were great this week!!!

Kristina P. said...

Mmmmmm. Flank steak.

Love the jammies tradition!

The Crash Test Dummy said...

I love Christmas Eve Jammies. And I love flank steak. And how funny that every time I come here you're doing funny lists of un-tags. You're so cute Barbaloot.

rychelle said...

I believe you are never too old for Christmas jammies! They are my fave Christmas tradition.

Oh, and how Alabama and the Statler Brothers bring back sweet memories. ;)

Merry Christmas!

Cajoh said...

My wife and our family do jammies too:
http://cajoh.blogspot.com/2008/12/over-blvd-and-down-hill.html

Though I love the idea of getting ones for the day… I'll have to incorporate that tradition next year.

J. Baxter said...

I was just wondering the other day if there was anyone out there who actually liked the song "Thistlehair the Christmas Bear".

I'm with your mom on this one!

Camille said...

Please invite me to your house for Christmas..your family sounds a whole heck of a lot more exciting than the wack jobs I have to deal with during this holiday season. I'll just stand in the corner and not bother anyone..unless you want hot cocoa then I can deliver, like your dad.

The Crash Test Dummy said...

I love lists, Barbaloot. And no one does them like you!

Shauna said...

Hope you have a blessed and very Merry Christmas! L♥ve and Hugs :) Shauna

Alyson | New England Living said...

Too old for Christmas eve jammies?! Never! We do Christmas Eve jammies too and both my husband and I get them too.

I've never heard this Christmas bear song. I'm very curious now, I must say.

TisforTonya said...

I love your list - and now I'm off to find Thistlehair the Christmas Bear because I've never even heard that song! Not too surprising, hadn't seen A Christmas Story until I was dating hubby :)

rychelle said...

Barbara, I just wanted to stop by and wish you a Merry Christmas!

I hope it's filled with magic and meaning.

Deb said...

I just did "My Six" on my blog- check it out when you have the time! I hope your Christmas this year was wonderful!!

Deb :)

melissabastow said...

That's so funny. Your family sounds like tons of fun. Although I'm not seeing how that brother of yours could possibly be wearing pants...

SkiTwo said...

I totally want to follow your blog. Hilarious but I see you dont have a follow my blog sticker.. Any chance you will in the near future?
thanks

Tiffany said...

I love that thistlehair song! :) I can totally see your mom not loving that song, though. ha! Your parents are funny. and ps....do you even know half the people that read your blog, or are you becoming one of those famous folk that have all these strangers that read your blog because it's freaking hilarious? Just wondering, cause that'd be cool if you were famous.