V

I

S

I

T

T

H

E

N

O

R

T

P

O

L

E

!

What is it about the Winter Holidays? Their antecedents, (the previous myths from which they grew), their interpretations, (through primitive to modern information systems) or their reality;

And what takes place for those who in deed, at the least,  gather at Christmas? A dropping of barriers of distance, time,  everyday stresses, (the season has enough of it's own Joyful stresses!), to be with and feel in your Heart those you've grown up with, as well as those you've come to include in your Heart as your Family?

Christmas  (what we called it in our Home), was begun after Thanksgiving. My Parents  had a definite way of doing things developed over many years of trial and I'm sure sometimes error.  Christmas wasn't actually our big Holiday. Easter was. But we're talking Christmas here, so I'll stick to the subject for a change. (Grin!)
 

Several days before Christmas Eve, my "uncle", George Jerkovich,  would bring over a few smelly dried codfish, which would soak in the rumpus room for three days, before being transformed into a most smelly, oily, and almost tasteless fish stew. I disliked it intensely!
He would come over and pound that dried fish each day it was soaking and my dad would pound it at night to soften it up a little. Very little!

Christmas Eve Day, I had to help clean the smelly thing after it had boiled for a few hours. Yes, Georgie came over early! Cleaning those fish was the worst! Us kids had to keep getting up and washing our hands so the fingers would unstick! And of course every bone HAD to be found! That night as usual, there was only one entree, that 'yucky' fish stew. I had to just go ahead and fill up on side dishes and eat a little of the stew. I understand that it is a well known stew, but sorry, I just didn't like it! Never have, though I've eaten it since at friends without mentioning my true feelings concerning it!
When in Rome, do as the Romans do, don't 'cha know! And it is a Mediterranean Dish! Baccalla I think is it's name. I prefer lots of Polenta with any other gravy! (Stop wandering, Dave! -grinning editor!)

After all, once we were safely tucked asleep, what wonders were in store!

From Christmas Eve Morning to Christmas Morning was the longest 'night' of the year! We found Santa's presents Christmas Morning, and then would settle down just a little bit! We knew that Family was coming! It was a rare Christmas that a friend of one of us would not join in! I had many friends throughout the years join me at the family table. ALL were always welcome, and MADE to feel just like one of the Family. We just didn't settle for otherwise! None of my family ever does.

After we were stuffed on appetizers, and the cookies and Povitisa that my Mom made every year from nuts we cracked every year, we would eat a Fantastic, Feastly  Dinner,  usually Turkey and Ham, complete with all the trimmings and tons of extras our family always brought. We Kids were even allowed a sip of wine that dinner, though I seldom enjoyed it. It was always Chianti, George's favorite. I've since found my favorites, but not til much older. (GRIN!)

Santa had come already for us kids so now was the time we all shared gifts. We'd sit around the dinner table and be led in old Yugoslavian folk songs, by Dad and Uncle George! I still can sing some of them, though I'm not sure of the words!
That was actually the most fun for myself, we already knew that Santa had brought something off the huge list we mailed Santa each year. We included all kinds of requests just so we wouldn't be disappointed! But waiting in our household was the best fun!

(In retrospect, Mom must have "made" us keep going; adding to our lists until we got to something she thought Santa could handle!
"That sleigh couldn't POSSIBLY carry ALL THOSE TOYS!" , she'd then say!
We kids knew it could, but played the game anyway! Games are always fun!)
Then Dad would pass out the family gifts and we would share with delight the new treasures we had been given.

And yes, Virginia, I STILL believe in Santa! Always have, Always will!

And my Family showed me that giving was more important than getting!

And the importance of including EVERYONE that touches your Heart.
THAT'S FAMILY!
That's what it's ALL about!

I hope that you see this as does my Family,  even more fully, this coming Winter Holiday.

Best Holiday Wishes to You and Yours!
-Dave Starkovich