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A Christmas Day Different
How a break from tradition and death, Arabs, and a 1000-year-old ceremony enhance the meaning of Christmas
I’m a white woman from a blue-collar family, born and raised in a small town in the United States. Most of my Christmas Days have resembled the Sears commercials of my childhood, save the abundant white waves of snow and prancing horses.
Though not a religious family, my parents went above and beyond to give us a Christmas chock full of iconic traditions. The anticipation of buying thoughtful gifts, decorating, mailing cards and making cookies, the festive music, decked-out tree, and strings of lights — all contribute to making this holiday my favorite of the year. But as much as I genuinely enjoy the season, the years largely blend together — not a bad thing but a little unremarkable after 35 years. However, there are a few Christmas Days that very much stand out, and for good reason. They’ve been the exceptions to the familiar, a break from predictable tradition, and as rich a time as the holidays are in food and good company, these unique Christmas Days have enriched the meaning of my holiday in profound ways.
The Day My Grandfather Died
I was quite young, only just turned seven. It was our first Christmas in the new house my…
