Readers and Writers Christmas

Today is Christmas Eve, and I am preparing to partake in our annual family Readers and Writers Christmas. 

We are now in our ninth year of this tradition, and it has become such a special part of our holidays. I wanted to write a wee bit about how it works.

It all began when our family was pondering ways to celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way. It followed our "Charity Christmas" where we gave donations instead of gifts and "Green Christmas" where we used expensive burlap bags instead of wrapping paper. I can't remember the exact conversations and progressions that brought our Readers and Writers Christmas to fruition, but we all credit my sister-in-law Katie with the first spark that set it into motion.

So what is it?

Readers and Writers Christmas is the tradition of writing and reading a story as a Christmas gift to your nearest and dearest. 

There are no explicit rules! The story can be about anything: it can be true to life, it can be fiction, it can be written in any style and about any topic! I say no *explicit* rules because there are certain etiquette standards around duration and language use... best to keep it "family friendly" and considerate of time.

As you can imagine, over the years we have laughed and we have cried. We've used this time as a way to capture the highlights from the year. As a way to share pieces of ourselves that don't always come out during our regular gatherings.

Last year Alan and I wrote an Ode to Alan and Sue, capturing the special months we had spent together living in their home and looking to their guidance for what a loving marriage should be.

An all-time highlight was my sister Kate's education of "Christmas Casual," a side splittingly hilarious etiquette guide based on her real life experiences of matching a dress code.

We write about family, new births, building snowmen, politics, loss, heartache, joy, our favorite television shows, hilarious anecdotes from days gone by.

This type of expression and sharing does not come naturally to everyone. I met my husband just before our first year of Readers and Writers Christmas, which meant that by year two he was a participant. The idea of writing and reading a story aloud was literally his worst nightmare. He suggested we look into a power-lifting Christmas instead... With this said, he contributes year after year. He overcomes his fears and reservations and truly enjoys creating and sharing his story! Of course, above all he enjoys listening to the stories of others. It's a tradition we will carry with us.

Now, a special transition has taken place whereby the next generation, my nieces and nephews, are beginning to share their own stories as well. It is such a beautiful practice of expression and sharing to give to these young people. And of course, for them to give us! The stories from the next generation are bright, clever, insightful, warm... they are so creative and full of such joy that I have hope for the future!

I better end here as I have some finishing touches to add to my story for the year... but I just wanted to introduce you all to one of the Young family traditions that is so near and dear to my heart.

May you find your own expression and sharing this holiday season, whatever it is!

Merry Christmas!