When my father was transferred from Delaware to Cleveland, Ohio, our family had to begin a new set of Christmas traditions in a foreign land. As snow fell the first 21 out of 23 days of December during our initial winter, change was needed. Since my sister Cindy was born on Christmas Eve, our first new tradition began by going out to dinner. A devote Chinese food lover, Cleveland had a local restuarant that my sister adored, one of the few places open on Christmas Eve. Similar to a Hibachi, the architecture, ambionce and service made this a decade long tradition.
After the ride home, last second Christmas details were finished before our next new tradition. As devout Catholics, my parents attended a modern church with a Hippie priest, if there is such a thing. This 33 year old man of God actually looked like portraits of Jesus, with long wavy black hair, manicured with a pony tail. Willing to try new things, this priest created a special mass which ended exactly on midnight, Christmas morning. Beginning at 10:30 pm, the congregation sang Christmas carols for 30 minutes before an hour service focused on preparing hearts with the biblical meaning of Christmas. This became my favorite way to keep Christ the Lord of Christmas Day!
Once my parents retired, nearly 7 years ago, they returned to Delaware, near Bethany Beach, to spend the rest of their days living in a golf course community. Beside a Christmas Day 2 hole scramble, weather permitting, a wetland adjacent to a long par 5 provided an ideal setting for an annual golf ball hunt. The final tradition provides multiple facets: exercise, fellowship and my favorite, free golf balls for life. Thus, as you experience another Christmas in 2012, do something wiht your family that will leave healthy, long lasting memories. Merry Christmas to all and to all, a good night!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 