To discover some fun, unique and storied traditions of Dublin seniors, Dublin Life conducted a survey at the Dublin Community Recreation Center. What we found were some outside-the-box answers, ideas for new traditions and the importance of family in the hearts of local families.
Pat Breading
“On Christmas Eve, we have all the family and some friends over after church. Every one brings their own appetizer along. After all the gifts have been opened on Christmas day, we play Family Feud and a few other games. Then, we end the day by passing out numbers from 1-12 and sing “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Whatever number a person gets, they have to sing when it comes to that day. Since we have more than 12 people, we double up on members. And some are better singers than others, so it’s always a lot of laughs.”
Willie and Mel Ehrlich
“Necessity is the mother of all invention, but in our case, necessity was the mother of tradition. We could not get the kids to eat any meal on Christmas Day. When they got older, we tried something new and started our traditional dinner of fondue: beef, shrimp and chicken. But the absolute best is that we’re all together.”
Chi Webber
“Each Christmas, everybody still comes home. I have four children, including one in Kentucky and one in Wyoming, and we don’t open gifts until they’re all there. They all went to Dublin schools. I was born and raised here. It’s taking longer to get ready anymore. I’m 91 and I make most of the food.”
Do It Yourself Celebration
Feeling inspired to try something new with the family this year? Traditional activities for ringing in the season are fun, but consider creating a new memory to pass down to new generations. Use these tips to help make sure your holiday idea will be a hit.
Available for All Ages
Ensure that the whole family gets involved by keeping the tradition open to everyone – from young to old. Conserving the activity as an all-ages affair will keep the kids from feeling overlooked. Making sure the ritual isn’t too physically demanding will keep older members from sitting this one out. Find a happy medium between mature and exciting.
Keep it Simple, Santa
The activity should be engaging, but not too complicated. Participants should have to be mentally present, but it shouldn’t go over their heads. If it’s a game you wish to create, pick something with an abridged rulebook. Think more on the lines of Battleship and less on RISK. This should be something your family looks forward to, not something they dread.
Don’t Forget the Grub
Incorporate food into the mix because, after all, everyone loves a good treat. The snack can be the showcase of the activity – like the Ehrlichs’ fondue tradition – or it can be a special prize at the end. Either way, this characteristic will add a sense of community to the custom. If you choose to make the dessert the reward, it could add a fun sense of competition.
Stephan Reed is an assistant editor. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
