We arrived in Knoxville around 7:30 on the 24th and NO ONE in the house came out to greet us in the driveway even though everyone was downstairs doing nothing. Manga, however, recognized the house and went nuts, or it was being released from the car after seven and a half hours. Either way, she was very excited to be in Knoxville and around the family. In the Metcalf Household of Knoxville, TN, there are many traditions that we honor every year. As I've gotten older, and I think Joey and Erin would agree, Christmas has become more than just presents. We've all separated to different parts of the USA and sometimes around the globe, but Christmas is the one time of year when everyone makes it back home to be with family. I think that is part of the magic of Christmas, not in the Harry Potter sense of magic, but a spiritual magic.
Anyway, back to Christmas Eve. Once we arrived, dinner was served within the hour which consisted of Turkey soup, made from Thanksgiving leftovers, and sandwiches. Usually we are frantically wrapping presents, however this year we all had finished that task earlier in the week. I have to say that it was nice being able to sit around, tell stories, and enjoy each other's company. A little bit later in the evening, my dad put the star up on the tree which can only be done when everyone is present. Then we read our Christmas Eve stories that we have been reading for as long as I can remember. I can never remember the order, but we read The Night before Christmas and The Polar Express. Even though we have heard those stories every single year, we still love them as we only read them at Christmas. A hush always falls over the room, and I like to think we are listening for Mr. Claus. As least, I know I did that when I was younger hoping I could hear him flying onto the roof like in the Night before Christmas. A few years ago, we added a third story to our little tradition. We read the last chapter of A Christmas Carol. My mom reads the first two books, but I read the last one. I never grow tired of that story as it just embodies what Christmas is all about. Our one last Christmas Eve tradition, which only started when we got older, was to attend Midnight Mass. Only Erin, Michael, and I went this year; however, it was still a wonderful mass.
As for the actual Christmas morning, we have some very torturous traditions. First, stockings are the ONLY items that can be opened before breakfast. In addition, the opening of the stockings can only be opened after 5am due to some very excited little Metcalf children. Then we eat breakfast and clean up. Breakfast was naturally pancakes, and we have added on various items to the menu. Here comes the terrible part. The next logical step would be to open presents; however, if everyone is not present then Santa's gifts must wait until all members have arrived. One Christmas, my dad was on call and did not get back home from the hospital until 1pm. My siblings and I had opened stockings at like 6am, ate breakfast around 8am, and then by 10am everyone in the house had fallen asleep waiting for my father to return. Needless to say, we have been scarred for life. This Christmas had nothing traumatic, but there has always been this slight fear that someone won't be around making us wait to open gifts. Our Christmas morning went off without a hitch, and it was simply a wonderful holiday.
Just for those who might be wondering, Michael and I will be implementing those same rules on Christmas morning when we have our own children.
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