In my Shakespeare class today, the kids and I were talking about Christmas traditions - those things that you do year in and year out; some are quirky little things, some reach out to others while some hold a special meaning to them.
This particular tradition holds special meaning for the girls and I, each year we go to San Francisco and see the SF Ballet perform The Nutcracker. It started off as something that their Auntie did as a Christmas present for Sis, my mother-in-law and grandmother (in-law). I was very pregnant at the time and could not have sat comfortably for the performance without being a complete distraction to those around me. I did take Sis the following year and we have gone ever since, that was 6 years ago.
Mem wasn't allowed to go until last year, I needed to know that she would sit still AND quietly for the performance before I let her near the War Memorial building.
There is even tradition within the tradition. We have gone to the same restaurant every year before the performance too!
I try to get tickets to the family performances. The sponsor that year has cookies and a beverage for everyone at the intermission. There are little gifts that are given at the door to a designated amount of children. The coolest thing for the girls is that they can have a photo op with some of the dancers..
This year we were there early enough to take pictures with both sets of dancers. You have to be quick though, they do not let you lolly-gag - it is a one shot shop so make it a good one!
I LOVE doing these things with my girls. I didn't do this type of stuff with my parents. These are times that I pray that my girls will look back at and have fond memories of, good laughs and know how beautiful they have made my life.
Yep, they are beautiful and I think I will keep 'em and hopefully we will be able to keep this tradition going for many years to come!
So jealous. I wish I could barge in on your tradition... sigh...
Posted by: Karrie Baker | December 11, 2010 at 08:10 AM