The Christmas Season has always been a joyful time in my life. I’m like a kid when it comes to decorating the tree, wrapping presents and baking Christmas cookies. No matter what’s been going on in my life, this time of year has always spelled family closeness and love.
This year is no different. If anything, I appreciate and enjoy it more than I ever have before.
The Magic Zoo Transformed
After nearly half a century together, Ed and I were separated by his passing last December. This year has been one of transition, new beginnings and learning how to continue my life and career without my beloved husband by my side.
Luckily, I have an extraordinary son and wonderful daughter-in-law. David has become my partner in The Magic Zoo, and now my eldest granddaughter is working in our business, helping with packing orders and putting earring wires and bails on my designs. It has become a family business, and I am still pretty amazed at how smoothly that is going.
Some of my family and friends may think I’m a bit of a workaholic. But I love what I do, and having a life of production and creativity has kept me steady through this year in particular.
Christmas Traditions of the Past
When I had 2 little ones way back in the 1980s, Santa always had a plate of chocolate chip cookies to fortify him on his stop at The Rosenfield home on Christmas eve, no matter its locale. (We moved several times as a young family) Christmas stockings were hung on Dec. 24th in homes from California to Florida, but he always seemed to find us and find a way inside, even without a fireplace.
My children were amazed that Santa somehow knew they only ate healthy snacks, and he filled their stockings accordingly. Christmas morning always found the kids plunked on our bed, pouring out the goodies and toys St. Nick had left them during the night and sharing their excitement with their two amused parents.
I am touched and pleased that the chocolate chip cookie tradition for Santa has continued down the generations. (David and Diana are incredible bakers!)
Christmas 2021
This year, our stockings are hung near the wood stove, all 8 of them. (Yes, the cats have stockings too!) The tree is already up and decorated. In fact, we cut it down the Saturday after Thanksgiving this year. I was the impatient one. This year, I decided, I’d have a couple extra weeks to enjoy seasonal magic.
We put up extra lights, distributed some poinsettias (Thank you, Home Depot!) and got busy wrapping presents. I’m kind of enjoying all the wealth of presents under this tree, what with a family of 6!)
Yesterday my daughter-in-law Diana and the grand kids baked Christmas cookies in the morning, packed them up and delivered them secretly to friends in our NM neighborhood, which extends about 50 miles. (It’s a big state!)
Diana also created a home-made advent calendar, with special holiday activities for the kids every day of the month.
Yes, they are home-schooled kids, and Diana is a whiz at bringing to life all sorts of holiday traditions.
What is your favorite Holiday Tradition?
I’d love to hear what you and yours do for the holidays! Is there a special cookie you make every year? Do you drive around and check out what the neighbors have put up for the season? (One of my favorite childhood memories of Christmas).
Whatever you celebrate this season, be it Christmas, Hanukah or Kwanzaa, my very best wishes to you all! May your days be merry and bright.
With love from your animal loving artist,
Merry