I have enjoyed a lot of memorable holidays over the years, but one I especially treasure happened during World War II. We were stationed on the east cost far from home for the first time at Christmas. We were living on a serviceman’s salary, rationing was in place, and the holiday appeared to be very bleak.

AChristmas box arrived, unexpectedly, from home. In the box were pint jars of Mother’s canned steak, homemade sausages, papershell pecans, bags of popcorn and a jar of Dad’s sorghum. These were all packed in Spanish peanuts from the farm. What a welcome treat! Not only did the box contain food we could not buy, but also it was from home. On that Christmas day, we popped corn, roasted peanuts, made molasses candy and dreamed of home.

On another memorable Christmas, I was in Europe for the holidays. I was invited to share the holiday dinner with a Viennese family. Their dinner menu was far different than the one we have in America. I tasted all three of the potato dishes that were served, also the poached fish and cabbage. Fish was the traditional meat for their Christmas dinner. They did serve turkey in difference to me.

Another tradition in Vienna that is different from our holiday is with the children and the Christmas tree. A family member will take the children out shopping on Christmas day. The Christmas tree is set up and decorated, and the toys put under the tree. The room kept dark when the children come home. At a specific time, everyone goes in the room where the tree and gifts are located. Tradition is for lighted candles to be on the tree. The tree lights are turned on. This is the first time the children will see the tree. Everyone holds hands and sings a Christmas carol, then the children are allowed to open the gifts.

At least that is what happened in the home where I was a guest.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2019!