Memories of Christmas past, shared with families today, create a heritage
of holiday lore. Among these memories are stories about Christmas tree
trimming along with favorite foods that accompany these occasions. As we
decorate the tree, some of us may have ornaments that date to previous
years.
"Why do we have an angel on the top of the tree," my grandson asked.
The one they use was made by his mother, delightful in white billowy
dress. Then I tell him about the star that topped our tree when I was a
child. This was made of silvery tinsel, with a circle in the center where
a bulb popped through so the star glowed.
I was so pleased to find this star when I helped my mom move from her
home several years ago. Although it's well used, the star remains a
reminder of days ago. I can share these memories with my daughter and her
children and pass along stories of tree trimming for their heritage.
Tree Trimming Time
Trimming or decorating the Christmas tree means a festive occasion when
families pull out the boxes of ornaments, lights and other adornments.
Some families make special cookies to hang upon the tree and munch on as
they work.
Somehow ornaments capture our attention whether we see them on a tree, in
an antique shop, a department store, or flea market. My daughter and I
browse around these shops to find ornaments of long ago.
In addition to the tinsel star which topped the hemlock Christmas trees
of my childhood, there were bubble lights. When these came into vogue in
the early 1950s, my father thought them fascinating and purchased them
for our tree.
I found one of these, too, when I discovered the star. It probably
doesn't work, but calls to mind stories of tree trimming I can share. I
even mentioned bubble lights in a story I wrote, "The Live Christmas Tree
Ornament."
Homemade Ornaments
Tree ornaments might be those purchased, received as gifts, or made by
hand. My mother said she loved the colored paper chains we children made
for our tree. She made us think they were more treasured than any bought
in a store. To her they may have been.
Encourage your children to make ornaments, whether paper chains, popcorn
and cranberry strings, decorations cut from old Christmas cards, or
painted wooden ones. A friend recently told me how her mom encouraged
them to make ornaments each year. The mother kept them and now gives the
handmade treasures to grandchildren to hang on their trees.
Tree Trimming Treats
Your tree trimming treats may consist of a special evening meal, perhaps
a simple one made ahead, so Mom has more time for the holiday fun. Or you
may enjoy simply cookies and hot spiced cider as you decorate and sing
carols.
A BAKED BEAN CASSEROLE could be made ahead and provide an easy meal with
slices of ham and a tossed salad. This is a favorite recipe of my
daughter's.
Fry 8 slices of bacon until crisp. Cook 3 diced onions in a dab of bacon
fat until golden. Add 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon dry mustard, 1/2
cup cider vinegar. Cook with the onions for about 20 minutes, slowly.
Pour this mixture over beans in a casserole dish. The beans consist of 2
cans lima beans, 10 oz. package frozen green limas, partially cooked, 1
can red kidney beans, 1 can baked beans (but without the pork). Crumble
the bacon and place on the top.
Bake at 350 degrees F. for an hour.
(Incidentally the book, Christmas Ornaments, Lights & Decorations by
George Johnson gives you a great deal of information about these tree
trims, as well as pictures that may bring back memories. (Note: this book is out of print , but they
do have copies at Abebooks.
)
(c)2004 Mary Emma Allen
About the author
Mary Emma Allen writes for children and gives author presentations in
schools. "Tales of Adventure & Discovery" contains many of her children's
stories, poems, and illustrations. Her picture book, "Sarah Jane's Daring
Deed" soon will be published. Visit her web site: http://homepage.fcgnetworks.net/jetent/mea.