Preserving A Holiday Tradition
Posted on November 30, 2014 by bob in EdNote
On Christmas Eve my mom and dad would pack my brother, sister and me into the car, load the trunk up with a menagerie of gifts wrapped in every imaginable style of Christmas paper, and journey for what seemed like an eternity to the homes of one of my Dad’s siblings. It was, without question, the most exciting trip of the year. Not exactly “over the river and through the woods” (it only took ten minutes across paved Montgomery streets) but nonetheless, it was thrilling. Three families crowded into the same living room to fellowship, have a meal, and exchange purposefully-selected gifts…a navy scarf for Aunt Katie, a pair of brown slippers for Uncle Gus, a green wool shirt for Dad — to say nothing of the gifts we children received and shared with each other for hours on end. My lingering memory is one of comfort, fun, and the security I felt in being happily together with the people I loved best. Aunts, uncles, cousins, parents and siblings. All was right with the world.
With some modification Bob and I continued that holiday tradition well into our married life, spending many happy Christmas Eves with my parents and siblings as our children grew from toddlers to adolescents.Lucky for us, holiday celebrations between Bob’s and my combined families never conflicted. Thanksgiving was the command (and much anticipated) performance in my husband’s family, but Christmas was a more relaxed gathering, occurring on the weekend closest to the big day — or as soon as we could get family together from near and far. Regardless of when we celebrated, it was a joyous occasion.
Every new member of the Corley family received a special velvet Christmas stocking my mother-in-law herself had sewn. From in-laws, to grandchildren, and even great-grands, Mama imaginatively crafted and personalized each one. The stockings, topped with rabbit fur and lovely in their detailed beadwork, are now the stuff of family legend, a valued keepsake treasured by anybody lucky enough to receive one.
After my mother-in-law’s health declined, her daughter – my sister-in-law – bravely took on the stocking mantle. Creative in her own right, she’s done a remarkable job making at least five of these Corley heirlooms. But creating them is time-consuming, tedious work and this year, she finally cried “Uncle” (or rather, “Great-nephew,” as that’s whose stocking now needs to be made.)
As the grandmother of the newest grandchild, I’ve been named this year’s Corley stocking maven. Never a seamstress, I’m intimidated by the process, and yet somehow also inspired at continuing this unique family custom. Taking deep breaths to settle my nerves, I’ve realized 2014 has been a year of many firsts for me: first grandson, first Thanksgiving hosted at my home, and now first Christmas stocking. Who knew, even at 62, life would bring such exciting, new challenges?
May this holiday season hold happiness and exciting challenges for all of you, too.
P.S. I’ll post a picture of the completed stocking on Prime’s FB page in December! Wish me luck!
Sandra Polizos, Editor
Sandra Polizos, Editor
