What are Your Favorite Christmas Traditions?

As the song goes, “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.” With the snowfall we have received in the Chicagoland area over the last few weekends and now the frigid temperatures, it is the most wonderful time of the year! We are only a few days away from Christmas and this year both Cooper children will be home to celebrate with family and friends. To say Pam and I are excited is an understatement!

As the wake-ups count down and the house is more decorated, I can’t help but think back on some Christmas traditions that we have had and other popular ones. It is enjoyable to remember what Christmas traditions you had as a child, which of those traditions you imparted on your own children, and if they are old enough, which of those traditions they are teaching the next generation.

With Christmas almost here, I want to share a few popular Christmas traditions and some historical origins:

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  The Cooper Family Christmas Tree

  Decorate a Christmas Tree. This year I got a $10 tree from ‘the Jewel’ just a couple days ago. I wasn’t sure what I’d get, but it turns out it is a great tree! Remember, never judge a book by its cover (or price tag). Did you know that decorating an evergreen tree was first introduced in Germany in the 17^th century? When the first German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania in the 1820’s they brought the tradition with them and by the middle of the century almost every home in America had one.

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  Young Naperville Singers

  Sing Christmas Carols. There are so many favorites – Oh Holy Night, Jingle Bells, Silent Night…the list could go on and on. What a peaceful way to spend Christmas – or the whole season! At Naperville Senior Center we hook up the 6-disc Christmas Karaoke every day and on Wednesday, the “Young Naperville Singers” featuring three of our Member’s grand-daughters will be performing right after lunch.

• Go to Midnight Mass. There’s something about the midnight Mass that is special. It’s dark and the lights in the church are shimmering. Many times there will be a special choir singing classic Christmas songs where everyone can join in and some special ones like the Hallelujah Chorus. When done well, you can get chills down your spine! Did you know that the tradition of the Midnight Mass began as far back as the early 400’s? Centuries ago, Midnight Mass might last for hours, to the point where church goers would have an early morning feast following the Mass! At our church, the Midnight Mass is at 10:00 pm.
• Read Twas the Night Before Christmas. It’s a classic that can be read whether your kids are young or old. Everyone is ‘in the moment’ and focused on the words, rather than on presents, food or other distractions. Did you know that the poem was written in the early 1800’s? There is controversy over who actually wrote it. Many people believe it was penned by Clement Clarke Moore, but some believe it was written by Major Henry Livingston, Jr. Either way, it is said to be “the best-known verses ever written by an American.” If you would rather read something else, pull out Dr. Seuss’ “How The Grinch Stole Christmas.” Be sure to show everyone the pictures before you turn the page.
• Continue (or start) a family tradition. Every Christmas, the Coopers, and any overnight guests, settle into the family room, crank up the blaze in the fireplace and watch the Christmas movie, “Die Hard.” Hans and his merry band of misfits once again will be thwarted by Officer John McClain. Throughout the movie, someone will say the next line before the actor and all will crack up. “Shoot the glass.” “This is Agent Johnson. No, the other one.” “Glass? You got beat-up on National TV and you’re worried about glass?” “We’re going to need some more FBI guys.”

On Christmas morning, we also enjoy devouring Pam’s baked cookies and fruitcake, washed down by a Mimosa or two as we pass out the presents under the tree.

Here at NSC we are enjoying spending another Christmas season with our Members. The joy they have fills the room. We can’t imagine spending this festive season any other way!

Every day we strive to provide a festive, safe environment for our Members so they can feel like this is indeed their home away from home. We want them to be as comfortable here as they are in their own home. Our Members socialize, vocalize, improvise, rhythmize, harmonize, exercise, have fun, and a host of other activities to provide mental and physical stimulation.

Call to action: give the gift of Membership. Your loved one will be in a safe place, doing purposeful activities, and having fun. The caregiver will regain some time to focus on the family and career opportunities. Give me a call at 630.857.3017 to schedule a tour.

NSC Testimonial:

“My 90-year-old father has Parkinson’s and I work full time. I needed to take him somewhere where he would be safe, taken care of and enjoy going to. I found it at Naperville Senior Center. I can’t thank them enough for helping me. He absolutely loves it there – he does all kinds of activities, crafts, games, etc. He lights up when he knows he is going to go there. There are lots of people for him to talk to and make as friends. I can’t say enough about this facility. I highly recommend it. It has saved me and made my life bearable in so many ways.” ~ Member’s daughter, November 27, 2016