Keeping traditions

One of the nicest things about the holiday season is remembering the traditions our families taught us, as well as forging new ones.

Jeremy and I helped host a Hanukkah party at Jack's preschool last Friday. Jeremy had the kids laughing with a Hanukkah picture book he read. He also talked about our family menorah, which we inherited from Jeremy's grandparents.  They have both passed on now, but I know how much they would have loved the idea that we were sharing something so special.  That Sunday night, we lit the menorah. Jossie tried to lead us in a round of "Happy Birthday to you," while Jeremy explained the tradition. 

The next night, as Jack decorated our small but mighty Christmas tree with a few more sparkly ornaments, I take a pan of Christmas cookies out of the oven, a recipe my grandma often made. A cookie that was on every plate of Christmas cookies that she would set down on the table after dinner was done. She and my grandpa are also gone, and I am comforted by the idea of carrying on their memory in my own small ways. 

I can see the wheels turning in Jack's head. Right now, he is starting to embrace our traditions. Right now, he doesn't realize that we're kind of different in that we celebrate two holidays and two faiths. Right now, things are working for us as we honor our past and we look to the future.

The days have been crazy. My trusted co-worker - another working mama and faithful City Sweet reader - and I have started a mantra to cheer one another on. It's go time - work deadlines, school engagements and preparing for the holidays. More to come as the days quiet down, and we focus on the blessings of this holiday season.

Go, you, go!

The lights shine brightly.