I was born and raised, until the ripe age of 11, in a western suburb of Chicago. You know, where it really snowed, and we still went to school anyway. I have fond memories of waking up on Christmas morning and rushing to the tree with my older brother to see what Santa brought us.
As we got older, I remember Christmas Eve being a huge day for us as well. First, we’d have grandma Kit’s famous homemade lasagna, and when I say homemade, I mean this thing took all day to make and is still, to this day, one of my favorite meals.
Then we would retire to the tree where a full compliment of chocolates and other goodies would be waiting for us. Someone would play Santa and pass out presents until the late hours. Some years we would even take this formula on ski trips out west. Boy, do I miss skiing.
One year, my brother Chris got a Ouija board and convinced me Freddy Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street was in my room. Good times. No matter the year, we would always get a Waterford Crystal ornament and try to guess what it was. I never guessed right, but it was all part of the pageantry of the Hulett family Christmas.
While we still pay homage to some of the family traditions I grew up with, the Christmas experience these days is quite different now that I have a family of my own. First and foremost, we have to get a real tree, one that’s big enough for all of the homemade and historical ornaments we’ve acquired over the years. Trust me, there are many.
Then I have to do my best Clark W. Griswold impression and decorate the house like a champ. I take pride in the decorations and try to add something new each year. I love pulling on to my street and seeing my house all lit up. As for Hulett family outings, there are several that are must-dos during the lead up to Christmas. A visit with Santa Claus is always at the top of the list, and with the busy schedule the big man keeps, there are several opportunities for my kids to bend his ear and put in a few final requests for gifts.
Zoo Lights and Starry Nights are also in the mix, as these two perennial events just get better with each passing year. I look forward to ice skating now that the girls are a little older. We also like to go down to the Peabody and salivate over the gigantic gingerbread houses. I also like to partake in an adult cocktail while the kids devour hot cocoa and anticipate the pitter-patter of reindeer.
Recently, we started loading up the kids in the car for a city wide tour of viewing the lights. There are some amazing displays out there. We also like to roll down our windows and sing “Jingle Bells” as loud as we can. Bonus points if we startle people walking their dogs.
Who knows what this year will hold, but whatever it does, I’ll be open to it. New memories and traditions are around every corner — enjoy it, and I’ll report back if we go caroling the neighborhood with friends and neighbors.