The Meaning of Christmas

The Meaning of Christmas
By Annette Richmond

Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays. And that’s saying a lot because every holiday, from Thanksgiving to the Fourth of July, was cause for celebration when I was growing up. I think that’s because I had lots of family around.

In those days, my extended family was a big part of my life. Although we didn’t share a household, there were plenty of cousins and aunts and uncles just a couple of doors away. And there was my grandfather, Ta.

An entrepreneur, before it was fashionable, Ta came from the “old country” to build a new life in America. Like many immigrants he came first bringing his wife and first child over when he was able. With little money and lots of work, he managed to raise a family and build a business. By the time I was born he was already semi-retired. Generally, he was around in the afternoons when we grandkids got home from school. He could be counted on for a snack and a bit of company.

Even though, Ta embraced his new home, he still maintained many of his traditions. He baked the most wonderful food in a wood burning stove and made homemade wine in the basement. He spent more time reading than anyone I’ve ever known.

Although my grandfather passed away nearly 20 years ago, I think of him particularly at Christmas. I remember how we used to gather at his house on Christmas Eve. Between the aunts and uncles and all the grandkids we made quite a group. I remember the presents and homemade treats.

But most of all I remember that Ta hosted our celebration even though it wasn’t his. My grandfather was Romanian Orthodox, which meant he would officially celebrate Christmas a couple of weeks later. Still this didn’t stop him from making December 24th special for us grandkids. I didn’t think much about it at the time. We kids knew that our “grandfather’s” Christmas was a few weeks later, but the real celebration was December 25th.

Today when I remember Christmases past, I remember my grandfather. I remember the merry times we had at his house. But more importantly, I remember how he was able to appreciate beliefs and traditions he didn’t share because he loved us. I believe Ta knew the true meaning of Christmas. 

© Copyright 2001 Annette Richmond