A CHRISTMAS TRADITION

I don't recall for certain the year this particular Christmas Tradition of ours started, but I believe it was the Christmas of 1978 or 1979 or maybe 1980.  In fact, most likely, it just kinda "evolved" over the years. . .  until we just realized that our family actually had a Tradition.  I do know part of our tradition started during one of those years. 

My husband and I always celebrated Christmas Eve with his family and Christmas Day with mine.  We were lucky. . . his parents lived in the same city we did and my family was just an hour's drive away.  

Sadly, by Christmas Eve 1978, both of my husband's parents were deceased.  His dad had passed away in May of 1977 and his mother in September of 1978.  We were in our early thirties and the parents of their two year old grandson. 

I remember what a sad evening the Eve of Christmas was just three months after my mother-in-law had died.  We gathered, for the first time without one of their parents. . . .  at our townhouse with my husband's brother, his wife and their two tiny daughters . . . in our effort to continue the Christmas Eve Tradition of being with his family.

It was during one of those early Christmas Eves that we made our first "batch" of strawberry daiquiris to enjoy during our evening with his family.  That red indulgence was such a "hit", that we made them again the following year . . . and the year after that. . . and the year after that! 

We did, and still do, take turns hosting our family Christmas Eve gathering.  The rule of thumb is. . . . whoever hosts the evening is also responsible for making the Christmas Eve batch of strawberry daiquiris.

During the process of "dividing" my Mother-In-Law's  worldly possessions,  I "spoke up" for her crystal wine and champagne glasses.  I recalled how much she loved them....eight wine and five champagne.  Over the years, I continued to display them in our home in the very same manner she displayed them in her home. . . in the very same cherry secretary.  It had glass doors on top, which opened up to show three shelves.  Those shelves were the home of her crystal glasses.

I don't remember when I decided that our Strawberry Daiquiris should be enjoyed from her precious glasses . . . on the years  when we hosted Christmas Eve at our house, but I am so glad we did and still do.    I have to think that my MIL is "up above" and LOVING IT that her wonderful glasses are still  put "to use"  now and then.  

 

So, that's my special Christmas Tradition I wanted to share with you this week. . . simply put:  how we always fix a batch of Strawberry Daiquiris on Christmas Eve and how, on the years we host the evening, the drinks are served in my mother-in-law's special crystal glasses.

 

But I really thought you would get feeling of the  specialness of this tradition if you actually SAW how swell that daiquiri mixture looked when placed in one of those amazing glasses......so, THE STONE RABBIT and I decided to whip up a teensy little "batch" one afternoon this week to show you. . .

 

for "demonstration purposes" only. . . .

 

 how WONDERFUL a long time tradition can be. . . .

 

  like Beverly's tradition of hosting PINK SATURDAY week after to week, where she gives us the opportunity to share with others the greatness PINK.  So, visit her blog,  HOW SWEET THE SOUND!   She will have lots more wonderful Pink Saturday HOLIDAY links to share!

DANA

Comments

[Caren]

Oh Dana! They look delish....I'll be right over! Happy Pink Saturday and Merry Christmas!

[Dixie]

now that is a tradition that I'd love to carry on for you down here in Texas! delicious!

[Nancy]

That's a great tradition. I love Christmas Eve as that's when my family always had Christmas when I was growing up. When we moved up here I decided to start it up again with my brother, sister, their families and our cousins. We do a round robin exchange and some games. The kids and grandkids really love it and they get to stay home on Christmas morning and we go there.

That's such a sweet story and I'm sure your mil loves the fact that her things are cherished. As I remember you had it at your house last year! I am so pooped I think I better do my commenting tomorrow! I just dozed off while typing!
xoxo Nancy

[Kathy]

What a great story, Dana. The glasses are gorgeous. I think your MIL would be so proud to know you are all celebrating together and enjoying a glass of cheer in her honor.

Merry Christmas...Kathy

[Donna]

I just love how you tell stories, Dana! What a fun tradition. What did you do with the drinks after they were used for "demostration purposes"? Have a great week!

[Anne Fannie]

Hi Dana, what a nice story you told!
Merry Christmas...
Hugs, Ann

[Susie Jefferson]

A GREAT tradition, and I totally relate to that! My post this week is my mother's Lethal Sherry Trifle recipe (it has an awful lot of sherry in it) which we have had every single year since I was 15 (I'm 57) so that definitely counts as a tradition in our house, lol.

Have a very Happy Pink Saturday!

PS: What happened to Mr Rabbit? Has he hopped off your header?

[Keetha]

I LOVED reading this.

My youngest daughter called last night IN TEARS because she and her fiance are having their FIRST real fight over where to spend Christmas Eve. Sometimes those "traditions" are difficult to GET STARTED in a new little home. I did my best to help her reason through it - - - and absolve her of any guilt she might feel if ours is the Christmas tradition she has to skip this year, but she was certainly having a time of it!

[Sheila]

Dand, that looks so pretty and festive! I like this idea. I also love the fact that you serve them in your MIL's glasses. That makes them extra special.

Happy Pink Saturday...

XO,

Sheila :-)

[Beverly]

Ah, Dana. I love this tradition. The holidays seem to bring back so many memories of our loved ones that are no longer with us. I miss my father every day, but the miss is so strong around the holidays that I try to push it out of my mind.

You know, I believe a couple of those strawberry daiquiris might help soothe my aching body. Do you think they might prescribe one for a full body slam?

[Pat@Back Porch Musings]

Beautiful glasses, great story, wonderful tradition, Dana!!

Merry Christmas!

[Keetha]

You said this in a comment on my blog:

"You need to publish this thoughtful writing , Keetha. We all need the reminder. Dana"

I DID publish it - - - on my blog! Hehehehehe

Thank you for these kind words.

[Gabriela]

Happy Pink Saturday!

Love your displays!

~ Gabriela ~

[marydon ford]

Christmas eve Midnight mass, come home to champagne/wine & sweet treats, open the gifts ... then to bed. Moments to remember ...

Love your tradition of red ...

Merry Christmas,
TTFN~ Marydon
read/follow @ new blog
blushingrosetoo.blogspot.com

[Keetha]

Dana, I ALSO have two real cats, and they are why I said the Christmas cat was the best kind! I'm getting so weary of fighting cat hair on everything and one of them thinks ANY fabric that is "rumpled" at all is her own private personal restroom facility - - - and that same one likes to urp up fur balls all over our house - - - and I'm oh so tired of cleaning up after those cats, so I like my Christmas Kitty best!

Too bad your e-mail addy isn't on your blog profile, then I wouldn't be hogging your comment space like this.

Also - - - about your RN daughter and science and creation - - - I'd be more than happy to talk to her through e-mail if she'd like. I certainly can understand her frustration - - - I feel it too. But I know the Creator, and I know he is the author of truth, so I know when He tells us he created, he did.

:-)

[Keetha]

Oh, and there IS a link to my e-mail on my profile.

[Ceekay]

and how was the "demonstration purposes only"? Those glasses are wonderful. Have a wonderful Christmas!!

[g]

Strawberry daquiris - now that's a marvelous Christmas tradition!!!

I think I'll start following this one!

[Rose Broadway]

Dana, such a great post, as usual, BUT I noticed no one asked the question I'm wondering about:

How did you and the Stone Rabbit feel after finishing off that "teeny little batch" of daiquiris? You didn't do anything crazy did you? Should we be worried?

Rosie

[Jane]

This is a wonderful story Dana!! I am sure your MIL is loving it!! Her glasses are beautiful. Those daquiris looks delicious!!

Happy holidays!! :-)

xoxo
Janie

[heather]

great tradition! demonstration purposed huh? hmm, not believing that one! lol

[alaurajane]

Hi Dana; What a lovely story,, and your for demonstration only,, (wink) how pretty the glasses are.. Happy Pink Saturday....

Merry Christmas
Hugs;
Alaura

[kayellen]

Wonderful!

Thank you for sharing your life with us~~

You are such a dear and kind blogging friend...
Always a pleasure to stop by!

I am home from a full day of shopping...

Blessings to you on PS and for Christmas too!

Hugs,
Kay Ellen

[Sarah]

Thanks for sharing this little peek into your Christmas traditions. It's a sweet story, and I think that you have your MIL's crystal makes it all the more special.
Our stockings are a big part of our Christmas traditions. Hope you have time to stop by for a visit. ~ Happy Pink Holidays! ~ Sarah

[Terri Steffes]

This is a lovely tradition and the crystal is a wonderful thing to have from your MIL. Merry Christmas!

[jeanne]

Hi Dana, well I didn't get to your post until now. I decided I better post Blue Monday first. I was all but finished and I somehow deleted it. It could be because I fell asleep during the process and I definitely was NOT alert when I tried to finish it. A 1000 sighs!!!

So I started over and just finished.

I love your tradition of the strawberry daiquiris. I'm in...I could use one right now. I am so wound up and I need to go to bed. The idea to use your MIL's stem ware was a wonderful idea. They are so pretty. She would have loved it I am sure. We have a few traditions at Christmas but now that we all live apart from each other, getting together for Christmas is very difficult. I really hate the distance between all of my children. This year I will see them all by traveling and spending some time with each of them and that is just the way it is. I am thankful for that.

When you have your strawberry daiquiri this Christmas, have one for me. BIG smile.

The stone rabbit looks very festive in his Christmas ribbon looking longingly at his strawberry daiquiri.

Merry Christmas, Jeanne

[Miss Rhea]

What pretty glasses ! Merry Christmas and a Happy Belated Pink Saturday !!! :)

[Sheila]

Dana, I'm back by today to wish you, the Stone Rabbit, and your family the most wonderful Christmas to date!

Merry Merry!

XO,

Sheila :-)