My mother passed away this past April, and Dad last year in March.  So this will be the first Christmas that my sister and I have spent as "orphans".  Since she lives near where my parents did, and I don't think either of us can take spending Christmas there without them, she and her family will be spending the holidays with me and my family.

We are talking about all the old recipes that Mom used to make for us every year.  Mom was full blooded Norwegian, and we all grew up with our Grandmother making traditional Norwegian food on holidays, especially these special cookies called "Kringla", which are kind of like a soft sweet pretzel with nutmeg.  When Grandma was no longer in any condition to make these, Mom and I took over and learned to do them perfectly.  By the time my daughter was 3-4, she was helping, and my sister's kids who are a few years younger also helped out when they were old enough.  Mom also had a few other special things that she made each Christmas, that helped to make the time special.

This year it's obvious that the "torch" has been passed to my sister and me.  I don't think either of us were quite ready for this.  Mom was supposed to live for many more years, and her death was rather unexpected.  But at 84, that darn Neptune opposition was just too much for her!  Still, sis and I are now the "older" generation, I am 53 and she is 50.  Luckily we still have our precious uncles and aunts though!  She and I are doing our best to uphold our family Christmas traditions, but we know it will never be quite the same.

Is anyone else having the family torch passed to them this year?  Or passing the torch to someone else?

I'm sorry, virgomoon.

(((virgomoon)))

(((virgomoon)))

(((virgomoon)))

I don't have a tight-knit family on either side, there's too much contention between my parent's siblings.  I mean, we'll fight to the death for each other but stopping by for tea and conversation is kinda weird.  *smiles*  (Or maybe this is just me?  I'm the Pluto-moon / Uranus-moon chick, after all...  Anyway!)

So, yeah... I don't expect any torches to be passed my way.  If I want traditions, I'm going to have to make 'em!

One thing my sister and I always got in our stockings were those Lifesaver books and we looked forward to those every year!  *lol*  So this year I bought one for each of my nieces, plus my mom, sister, and brother-in-law.  :)  Take that!!  ;D

I'm sorry for your loss, virgomoon.

On the family tradition thing, my 4th house planets are jealous of you. My family doesn't have any traditions.

(((Virgomoon)))

Yes, I'm receiving the torch this year too. My MIL passed away in February. I've rented out a place for everyone to meet and celebrate Christmas this year. I'd love to have them at my house, but it is too small. Her house was large enough to hold all the family and extended family, but no one can bear to go in there. They feel it would just echo because she is not there. So, yeah, starting new traditions. It's a  bittersweet thing.

One neat thing we did, my SIL has my MIL old recipe box. She copied a selection of recipes onto notecards making a menu for the dinner. Then, we included a notecard in each of the invitations letting the receiver know where the recipe came from and asking them to bring the prepared version with them. This was the "job" I gave her because she felt like she needed to do something (mainly to keep her busy) and wanted to feel close to her mother. She started around Thanksgiving. We've heard from each person who received a recipe and they were completely honored to be asked to do this. Again, bittersweet--but it seems like it is bringing a cohesiveness to the whole thing.

Thanks everybody!  I do feel really lucky to have so many nice holiday memories, and realize that not everyone does.  Count your blessings, ya know?

@SaDiablo - Lifesaver books are awesome!  Yes, there is alot to be said for making your own traditions!

@Solaire, my NN is in my 4th, and my Neptune!  I don't know what I'd do without some family traditions.  Why not start some of your own?

@Josi - what a great way to celebrate your MILs legacy!  Yes, my Mom's recipes are also a big part of our Christmas this year, and I'm glad that my daughter, niece and nephew enjoy them too!

Why not start some of your own?

I am, but with my friends not my family. :)