Savour the time with your family

FRIDAY, DEC. 21: There’s a feeling in the air and although I’m not quite sure what it is, I must admit that for now. I’m enjoying it.

I’m enjoying the silence yet I’m enjoying the feel of Christmas as decorations are being put up and seasonal music is being played. This is going to be a difficult Christmas for many people but we can make it through if we just go back to the good old Bermudian traditions of family, love and unity.

I have the fondest memories of Christmas as a child. Traditions that were set then still remain today.

My sister and I would wake up extra early to see what Santa had left us under the tree.

A walk through the kitchen to get to the tree confirmed that he had been there when we looked on the table and saw the plate with cookie crumbs and the residue of the eggnog left in the bottom of the glass. 

Priceless memories

We were thrilled that Santa had consumed the tasty items we left out for him to eat.

Our footsteps would then quicken to the living room.  Oh how magical Christmas was those days. My sister and I made sure to create those same memories for our children in their younger years.

The innocence of childhood was sacred. We were not privy to the problems adults had. Such problems were only revealed to us much later in life. 

As adults, even though we still purchase gifts for our loved ones, we know through the lessons taught by our elders that the presents under the tree are not the most important things about Christmas but rather the time spent with family.

And thankfully my family has spent just about every Christmas together — whether locally or overseas. The day starts with breakfast together and ends with dinner together. And then, to top off the night, the whole family heads out to look for homeless people to feed them, too. I started this tradition almost 20 years ago as a way to teach the children in our family to appreciate those less fortunate.      

It’s a great time to take drives around the island, play games, to sing and watch movies together and to reconnect with loved ones that perhaps you may not have seen or spent time with in a very long time.

The value of these activities is priceless. Because of today’s present economic climate, it is vitally important for parents to teach children to understand that it’s perfectly alright to forego the luxury of gifts this year.

I can guarantee your child will survive without them — and so will your wallet. Spend quality time together and reflect upon the real meaning of Christmas and most importantly, take some time to reach out and spread kindness and cheer to someone who is struggling it make it through the season.

After all, we must give because of what was given to us.  I wish everyone a blessed, safe and united Christmas.

• Shawnette Somner is an educator and mother. E-mail: [email protected]