Every family has its own traditions. Everyone has their holiday classic that makes this time of year so special—and that, years later, brings back memories where sweet nostalgia lulls you to sleep along with the snow on December 27… You know, the kind that seems to hang in the air, when our schedules fly out the window and we don’t take off our pajamas… Between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
In fact, Maryse Letarte’s Christmas album Des pas dans la neige features a song called “Between Christmas and New Year’s Day.” It has a wonderful verse that perfectly captures our holiday activities: food, music, and board games. This album is a true gem, by the way. I highly recommend it!
“A laugh while yawning / Scrabble that drags on / Tickling in white pajamas / Between Christmas and New Year’s Day.”
At our house, everything revolves around food. It starts with the traditional preparation of holiday treats. My parents make donuts, I bake cookies, and my sister makes candied orange and grapefruit peels and madeleines… We feast to the sound of Christmas music all through December.
Then comes Christmas Day. After opening presents, enjoying a (way too big) delicious dinner, and putting the little ones to bed—who are absolutely thrilled with stars in their eyes—we break out the digestifs or “comic coffees” and board games. The Scrabble is the one that comes out most often; we have girls’ tournaments… while the guys do the dishes: my dad washes, my boyfriend wipes…
“Shouts, drums, and white wine / Toffee stuck to our teeth / The fleeting moment / Between Christmas and New Year’s Day ”
The next day, everyone heads outside! We play in the snow, and since we’ve had kids, it’s even more festive. Snowball fights, building forts, sledding, and wild adventures (one year, we even chased a dragon). All to get moving, burn off calories, and work off the alcohol from the night before. Then we head back inside, and my mom has prepared wonton soup or onion soup au gratin… Comfort in a bowl!
Next comes a classic movie night. A Christmas movie is a must. Our favorites: The Polar Express, La Guerre des Tuques (the original!), Scrooge (with Bill Murray), and A Charlie Brown Christmas… With the treats we made earlier, all snuggled up in a big, cozy blanket…
Ultimately, it’s all about managing to “unplug,” letting go of schedules, forgetting what day it is, spending time together, and creating memories that the little ones can relive when they’re no longer little. Memories that will ensure we’ll always stay together… no matter how much time passes…
“A mix of feelings / And no plans left / The blank calendar sighs and waits for me / Between Christmas and New Year’s Day.”
“Your breath on my neck / A jealous shiver / Cheek to cheek / But what day is it?”
Happy Holidays, Caffeine Community. May this season be filled with joy, memories, love, and delicious treats!