Holiday traditions, Castle Pines style
The Christmas tablecloth is a tradition that started with Shara’s grandmother. The family has been signing and dating the tablecloth as they enjoyed their holiday meals since 1957.
In addition to the many customary ways there are to celebrate the holidays in December, we asked residents to share some of their special holiday traditions.
Katie said, “The weekend after Thanksgiving, we always cut down our Christmas tree, then go to Bud’s Bar for the best burger around. We have been enjoying this tradition since our oldest son was 6 months old, so this year will be our 20th tree fresh from the forest.”
“Gingerbread houses!” exclaimed Mary Jane.
“I love getting a group together to decorate gingerbread houses. We make small homes out of graham crackers, then deliver them to nursing homes or assisted living centers. The kids love making them, and the seniors love them too. We have been doing this for about 40 years in Douglas County.”
Anne Marie said her family creates a Danish smorgasbord with local and special-ordered fish and meat, all with specific toppings.
Paige rolls lefse, a Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes and decorates cookies.
“My family celebrates Yule and the solstice,” Donella stated. Similar to Christmas, Donella decorates with evergreens, holly, mistletoe, wreaths, a feast of food, and family togetherness.
“One of my favorite traditions is our Christmas tablecloth,” Shara shared. Her grandmother started the tradition of everyone signing and dating the tablecloth while they enjoyed their holiday meal. “The earliest date we can find on it is 1957, so this tradition has carried on for seven generations. You can see each person’s life story.” Shara shared how special it is to have the young people ask about their ancestors. “It is our way to honor those who are gone and have them join us on Christmas Day.”
Laney remarked, “Silly as it sounds, we gift each other crazy socks with funny sayings and wild colors. It is hilarious and also practical.”
Ally shared, “We have done an Advent calendar for years as we count down to Christmas. Some years it has been candy or chocolate or little treats. This year, we chose a kindness calendar.”
“Cutting down a tree is our family tradition. Now we go with our grown kids, their spouses and the grandkids. To see the little ones get so excited to pick ‘the one’ is magical,” Dave commented.
According to Lesley, it is all about giving. “There are so many different ways of giving to those in need over the holiday.” Her family has filled shoe boxes with gifts that were sent around the world, and Lesley said she shops all year, collecting gifts for families that they adopt at the holidays. Lesley added, “My favorite tradition has become donating to and volunteering at the holiday shop event where students can shop for parents, guardians or caregivers when they could not otherwise buy holiday gifts.”
Article by Lisa Nicklanovich; photo courtesy of Shara Nordstrom
