John Sheda

It seems every holiday has its own traditions, first camping weekend for Memorial Day weekend, parades & cook-outs for July 4th and so on and so forth but Christmas is really in it’s own special category for traditions. Every family has their special Christmas traditions and probably many are the same as everyone else. Here are a few past and present traditions in the Sheda household…

When the kids were little we would drive all over and enjoy the Christmas decorations around town. We even made a competition that is too complicated to explain here but my side of the car usually won.

The past several years, everyone, (except Deb and me), goes on some kind of scavenger hunt around town. Two teams are put together and let the competition begin.

Last Sunday night, we had our family annual baking night. The ovens blaring and the bowls being whipped into all kinds of goodies. Ahem, I made my famous, (first time actually), chocolate chip peanut butter cookies.

This coming Saturday, we all take off for an afternoon at the Amanas. Ox Yoke Inn is our place to eat and then everyone’s off and enjoying the festive atmosphere of Amana Christmas. Deb & I usually last about an hour!!

One day, not decided yet, we all get together and either go ice-skating or sleigh-riding. Pretty cold but oh, so much fun!!

We don’t get together on this one but we all love a good Christmas movie. My favorite, George C. Scott’s protrayal in “A Christmas Carol.” And of course “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

A few years ago on Christmas day, we pick teams, (competition again), and put together gingerbread houses. Imagination is the key ingredient here.

We each pick three names and buy three gifts, all of increasing monetary increments. Then we try desperately to keep these names a secret till Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve is our big night. Church Candlelight Communion, supper and then the opening of gifts. Then on Christmas day we all take off for warmer weather. Last several years we’ve gone to Gulf Shores, Alabama but this year because of work constraints we’re heading to Branson.

Now what are some of your traditions? Let me know at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640. Do you have one that is unique to your family? Inquiring minds want to know. By the way, we do not and hever have gone family ice-skating or sleigh-riding. That would be just crazy.