Christmas is a Gumboot.

What can I say about Christmas and it’s spirit of community that hasn’t already been said? It’s a tough nut to crack, even for a season that provides so many Nutcracker suites. So I thought I’d share with you — our blogger community — a few family traditions that pre-date the gumboot, blogs, even the web, as we know it.

All through the house, not a creature was stirring… except the raging pizza party and the sound of Bill Murray in “Scrooged” on in the background…

Christmas Eve is very important in my family – just as important as Christmas day. It’s a night that belongs to pizza, movies, friends, a present or two (usually pajamas) and the 1923 edition of my father’s “The Night Before Christmas.” 

This year will be the first time I don’t spend Christmas Eve with my mum and dad (although, I’ll see them Christmas Day). I’ve been welcomed into a new community  – editor, Kurt Heinrich’s family. With this community comes a new collection of traditions, just as old and as important as my own. It will feel strange but I can’t help but be thankful that I have so many open doors and warm fires to sit by on this very special evening. 

The differences between this Christmas and past seasons have been building for weeks now. I realize I’ve slowly been making my own traditions and, so far, some of my favourite moments of the holiday have been spent with friends. More specifically, the editorial staff of the Gumboot over good food and drink.

My dad was a newspaper columnist and every Christmas Eve he would publish a new Christmas story. I can see why he looked forward to it every year. Christmas, I’m learning, is a time of year to take stock of community and it’s stories. It consistently balances old and new traditions. Like the people and friends we encounter in our life, we let go of what we no longer have room for, and welcome what and who we need in our community.

A tradition I’m slowly leaving behind me is one I will miss the most. When I was little, we had a rule in my home: no one was allowed to sneak our of their room and peak at stockings or presents under the tree until we heard the “Hallelujah” Chorus at full volume coming from the living room. I still feel this knot of excitement in my stomach everytime I hear Handel’s “Messiah.” 

I know I speak on behalf of everyone here at the Daily gumboot when I say today – Christmas Eve Day – we wish you warmth of spirit and generosity. Take stock and consider your own personal community – what you’ve said goodbye to in your life– who you’ve welcomed into it – and ask yourself, are there gumboots in your world.

Merry Christmas.