compiled by Polly Webber
Fall greets us with crunchy leaves and crisp air, shifting soon after to the excitement and frenzied fun of the winter holiday season. For this edition of the newsletter we asked neighbors:
“What’s your favorite winter holiday tradition?”
“Thanksgiving at our house couldn’t be more all-American. We start with coffee and cinnamon rolls while watching the Macy’s parade, take a long mid-day walk, and end with a traditional turkey dinner, surrounded by as much family as we can muster. And recall throughout how many blessings have come our way.” (Chris, 1 year in B-W)
“Our favorite holiday tradition is making my great grandmother’s almond roca! It’s a fifth-generation recipe that isn’t written down anywhere! We start the weekend before Thanksgiving and don’t stop until Christmas Eve. Everyone on the Nice List gets one bar!” (Ginny, 5½ years in B-W)
“Going to The Grotto. We went there for the first time when my son was very young and have been going back every year. There’s so much to do. The puppet shows, the choir, the lights, and even animals. It’s so beautiful.” (Maggie, 23 years in B-W)
“We celebrate Christmas, and my Nana started a tradition of ‘reindeer gifts’ on Christmas Eve. Everyone gets two gifts: a book and an ornament for the tree that represents something significant in that person’s life at that time. It also makes decorating the tree each year super special because it’s a walk down memory lane.” (Melissa, 15 years in B-W)
“Baking/decorating cookies! My friends Holden and Stirling always come over and help decorate them. We always make Christmas Trees out of cookies and give them to our neighbors. Also, I love listening to Christmas music, seeing family, and PRESENTS!!!” (Max, 10 years in B-W)
“Our family traditions mostly center on food, either making or eating it, and spending time together. We look forward to roasted chestnut soup and decorating cookies during the winter holidays. I started canning food about 15 years ago and that is mostly what we give as gifts. It’s fun to hear from folks as they enjoy our creations throughout the year.” (Bonny, 15 years in B-W)
“We celebrate Hanukkah. Two of my favorite traditions are making and eating latkes with my sisters and their families at our family Hanukkah party and lighting the Menorah each night. And as a nod to the holiday season, I either walk or drive through Peacock Lane every year it’s open.” (Linda, 23 years in B-W)
Polly Webber is a realtor and mom of two teenage girls. Born and raised in the neighborhood, she purchased and lives in the B-W home next door to her childhood home. Reach her by emailing polly.webber@cascadehassonsir.com.