Christmas Eve is my favorite day of the year. Perhaps this is because I was raised by two people who take special occasions (birthdays, holidays and the like) so seriously that I myself now find ways to treat every day (no matter the occasion) as special. I often wonder whether my parents are making up for what they lacked or are paying forward what they were given—but regardless, there are no two people more in the Christmas spirit. My fondest memories of childhood are in the warm glow of our cramped family kitchen on Christmas Eve—and that distinct warmth, even as my innocence dissolved to hopping fences and sneaking out, is a constant. Warmth in my home is something I can count on. I know how lucky I am that this is true. I know I will pass down the weight of tradition, of special occasions, to my own children one day.
Lovely thoughts to hear! Hoping Dear Eli will be back in the new year. Love hearing your perspectives!