Holidays
Holidays were never a big deal when I was growing up. We celebrated some, but others, just let slide by.
New Year’s Day – the beginning of a new year. The only thing I remember was my mother making Nee Yosh Koka (New Years Cookies) a yeast dough with raisins. The dough was made, more like a heavy batter, and was left to rise. When it was about doubled, she spooned off the dough and fritters were fried in deep fat until brown and done. Then they were glazed in a sugar glaze and eaten throughout the day.
Valentine’s Day – When I was in grade school we exchanged Valentine cards and had some sort of party on the day. When my children were that age we made sure we had enough cards for each member of their grades and they were prepared to be put in the children’s boxes in school. These often contained a stick of gum or sucker with each card.
St. Patrick’s Day – not really celebrated, but maybe remembered by wearing green and sharing with each other if we had some Irish blood.
May Day – We made baskets out of construction paper, and on the morning of May Day we gathered whatever flowers were blooming at the time and filled the baskets with them and some candy to go around. Then we would sneak around to friends’ homes and put them near the door.
Fourth of July – When I was growing up we had little money to buy fireworks, but maybe had a few sparklers or snakes. It wasn’t a big deal, but we may watch fireworks. The same when my children were young, but occasionally we went to a fireworks display in another town.
Labor Day – Just a day off school, but no celebration.
Thanksgiving – The beginning of the real holidays, usually it was observed with a big meal and giving thanks for what we had. Families often gathered together to celebrate.
Christmas – When I was growing up, the main event of Christmas was our church program which we practiced for every Sunday afternoon for a number of weeks. I loved the music of this holiday so that was special for me. When my children were young they were involved in church Christmas programs and a festive Christmas Eve service, often followed by a fondue party with friends. Sacks of fruit and candy were given out at church after the service. Growing up gifts were not a highlight because money was short. My children looked forward to Christmas morning and were the first ones out of bed to wake us and begin opening presents. The Christmas story was read before gifts were distributed and this was a yearly event. We often went to my husband’s parents for a celebration and noon meal together with other families.
So this is what happened on holidays. Today it is somewhat different.
